Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): UEFA B - Tactical Development Task

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Session Plan: Dealing with an Opposing #10

POP: Defending against the overload.

Main Principles to Work To:

The primary goal is to deny the #10 space, time, and opportunities to influence the game by adhering to the following defensive principles:

• Deny Space:

  • Compact defensive shape, particularly between the midfield and defensive lines.
  • Prevent the #10 from finding pockets of space to receive the ball.

• Marking and Screening:

  • Ensure a holding midfielder or central defender is tasked with closely marking or screening the #10.
  • Block passing lanes into the #10 to make it difficult for them to receive the ball.

• Pressure on the Ball:

  • Immediate pressure on the ball carrier to limit time to pick out the #10 with passes.

• Communication and Organization:

  • Clear communication between midfield and defensive lines to ensure accountability and maintain compactness.

• Anticipation and Interception:

  • Anticipate passes to the #10 and focus on reading the play to intercept before they can gain possession.

Main Focus of the Session:

• Defensive shape and compactness.
• Screening and marking the #10.
• Communication between midfielders and defenders.
• Reacting quickly to transitions to prevent the #10 from exploiting gaps.

Specific Practice Design: Defensive Principles to Stop the #10

Session Overview:

• Objective: Prevent the opposing #10 from influencing the game by denying space and blocking access to the ball.
• Players: 13 players (6v6 + #10 + Neutral GK).
• Duration: 20 minutes (4x5-minute blocks).
• Set-Up:
  • Half-pitch setup with a goal at one end.
  • #10 positioned as a roaming playmaker for the attacking team.

Structure of the Practice:

• Starting Point:

  • Play starts with the defending team’s goalkeeper or coach feeding the ball to the attacking team.
  • The attacking team builds play with the intent of finding the #10 and progressing to goal.

• Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Defending Team (Reds)   (4-2 formation):
    • Two holding midfielders screen the #10 and block passing lanes.
    • Back four remains compact and communicates with the midfield.
  • Attacking Team (Blues) (3-1-2 formation):
    • Utilize the #10 as the central playmaker, aiming to create chances for the two forwards.

Key Coaching Points:

• Block Passing Lanes:

  • Holding midfielders stay aware of the #10’s position and adjust their positioning to cut off direct passes.

• Compactness:

  • Defenders and midfielders maintain close distances between lines to reduce the space available for the #10 to operate.

• Pressure on the Ball:

  • Encourage immediate pressure on the ball carrier to force rushed or inaccurate passes toward the #10.

• Marking and Screening:

  • One midfielder focuses on tight marking, while the other provides cover and screens passing lanes.

• Transitions:

  • Upon losing possession, the defending team quickly drops into a compact shape to prevent the #10 from receiving in transition.

Scoring System:

• Attacking Team: Points awarded for the #10 receiving the ball and successfully combining with forwards to score.
• Defending Team: Score in mini goals within 10 seconds - transition into goals representing wide players.