Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): SSE - U13 & Below Tactical Session - AP3 Penetration - Wide Overloads to Penetrate (Crossing & Finis (Start Time: 2025-04-21 18:45:00)

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Session Segment: Warm-Up & Technical Preparation

Session Focus:
AP3 – Mid Box & Byline Crosses
Front Post – Cut Backs – Back Post Execution

Physical Preparation
Normal band work & warm-up. 

Technical Passing Warm-Up – High-Speed Pattern Play

Led by: Hudson / Will

Time: 10 minutes

Organisation:

• Set up mannequins or cones to create angled passing lanes.

• Players work in pairs or small groups, passing at high tempo through the circuit.

• Final pass leads to a shot into mini goals.

• Split into two teams for added intensity and competition.

Challenge Element:

• Make it a race between the two lines.

• Add a light punishment for the losing side (e.g., 10 push-ups, jog lap).

Objective:

• Sharpen passing angles, weight of pass, and shot timing under pressure.

• Raise tempo and engagement early in session.

Activity: Unopposed Mid Box Crossing Drill

Timeframe: 10-15minutes
Game Model Moment: Attacking Organisation
Phase of Play: Final Third
Principle: Delivering the Ball
Sub-Principle: Wide Delivery – Mid Box Entry

Organisation:

• 3 attackers inside the box (central runner, front post, and back post runners).

• 2 wide players on each side:

  • Wide Player 1 (starting deeper) passes to Wide Player 2 (advanced).

  • Wide Player 2 sets and crosses into the box for the 3 attackers.

• Use mannequins as passive defenders to create visual references and traffic.

Rotation:

• Rotate wide players after every few reps.

• Attacking runners switch lines to practice all angles.

Coach Notes:

• Focus on timing of run vs. timing of delivery.

• Quality of delivery: low cut-backs, whipped front post, floated back post.

• Emphasise delivery technique & decision-making based on mannequin placement.

Variation:

• Depending on player numbers, set up two mirrored crossing zones running simultaneously to maximise reps and reduce downtime.

3v2 With Wide Player Support & Recovery Crossing

3v2 With Wide Player Support & Recovery Crossing

Game Model Moment: Attacking Phase
Phase of Play: Final Third & Counter-Attacking
Principle: Delivering the Ball
Sub-Principle: Decision-Making Under Load & Crossing from Wide Areas

Organisation:

• Grid size: 44m (length) x 36m (width) with full-size goals at each end.

• Set up 3 attackers vs 2 defenders centrally, with 2 neutral wide players positioned wide on either side.

Initial Phase:

• Play begins with 3 attackers dribbling out from halfway.

• Attackers must complete a pass before taking a shot – no solo finishes allowed.

• Wide players can be used as bouncers to facilitate passing but cannot cross at this stage.

Recovery Phase:

• When play ends (goal, save, ball out, or defenders win possession), the 2 defenders immediately counter.

• They pass to either wide player, who delivers an unopposed cross into the box for them to attack.

• Drill restarts with a new group of 3 attackers and 2 defenders.

Key Coaching Points:

Attacking Team:

• Encourage quick combinations under pressure.

• Focus on intelligent off-ball movement to create passing lanes.

• Visualise front-post, back-post, and cut-back runs even if not used in this phase.

Defending Team:

• Stay compact and protect goal-side space.

• Transition quickly after regaining possession – play forward with intent.

• Communicate effectively to attack the unopposed cross with purpose.

Wide Players:

• Deliver with purpose – hit specific zones (front, middle, or back).

• One or two touches max to simulate realistic crossing conditions.

Progression:

• Allow wide players to cross for both teams during initial attacking phase.

• Creates a true 5v2 attacking dynamic, encouraging real-time crossing decisions and better defensive responsibility.

Duration:
15–18 minutes
3 x 5-minute blocks
1-minute coaching reset between rounds