Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Youth License Practical Delivery

Introduction game (20 mins)

Tactical Objective: Using overloads to progress the ball forwards

Session Details:

- 14 players are split into 2 teams. There are 2 neutral players that are placed between the pug goals on each end line.

- The coach starts the activity by passing a ball into the black team. The black team now plays 2v2+1 against the reds. The black team can only use the neutral player forwards and can not play backwards. 

- The ask of the defensive team is press aggressively when their direct opponent has possession of the ball. 

- If the ball goes out or a goal is scored, both teams leave and 4 new players enter the game.

- First team to 10 goals wins.

Detail:

- There are lots of opportunity for 1v1 outplay in this game. That coupled with decisions of when to play beyond their direct opponent with a chance to create link up play, which is something we encourage when winning possession of the ball.

- Lots of transitional moments in this activity that apply directly to our game model. When winning possession of the ball can we look for a target player to alleviate pressure?

Progression:

Can make this a 3v3 and move neutral players to the outside to simulate playing with a back 4 and pivot player.

POFTB against high press (Image 2)

Tactical Objective: Playing out from the back under high pressure

Session details: 

- Exercise takes place on half a field (additional 10 yards if room)

- 14 players are used, including a Goalkeeper.

- The exercise begins with the black team attempting to play out from the back with the goalkeeper using either the #4/5.

- Objective for the black team is to score in 1 of the pug goals by finding the free player. 

- Objective for the red team will be to high press the CB's with the #7/11 Aggressively pressing on the GK's first pass, preventing the ball from going into the #2/3. If the red team win possession, they look to score on the big goal.

- If a goal is scored or ball goes out of play, the ball will restart from the GK.

Progressions:

- Initially the #9 is free to play with zero restriction. 

- If the FB's have success getting on the ball, a restriction is introduced where the #9 must receive the ball in a zone from the FB to play to a midfielder in front of the back line. *The #9 is unable to score* (Image 2)

Coaching points:

- CB's can narrow their starting position to allow a wider angle after receiving the ball to make a better informed decision. Dribble/pass?

Final Game (25 mins)

Tactical Objective: Playing out from the back against a high press

Session Details:

7v7 game on half a field. Normal rules. Both teams set up in a 1-2-3-1

Coaching points:

-To bring out the topic. The front 3 of each team are encouraged to press high and challenge the #4/5 and Single Holding midfielder to find the free player when building out (FB).

- In this SSG, interchange between the #9 and #6 to dis-mark (replicating movement from #10 in normal game) and allow opportunity to find free player.