Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): In Poss Session

4 Box Mini Rondo (10 mins)

Overview - 



4 boxes split with 5 players each, one player in the middle trying to win the ball and 4 on the outside trying to maintain possession. 

If defender wins the ball he switches position with the player who passed the ball. 

Progression (25 mins)

PROGRESSION 
• This progression sees the team in possession attempt
to break from one zone into an end zone to try and score, having
worked the ball to and from their teammates twice.
• The objective is that the team in possession have to break lines twice, once into the central zone, then back to the end zone this is then an opportunity to break the lines and try and score. With this players can then join into other boxes and try and score. 

Coaching Points

Running Off the Ball
• As the practice progresses for a second time and it
becomes opposed, the player receiving possession,
turning and attacking the opponent’s end zone should
have multiple options ahead of him.
• These options are created by aggressive forward runs
that break the opposition back line. The fifth/sixth attacker –
from the outer zone – should ‘jump up’ quickly to join
the attack and offer another option.

Specific (25 mins)

In Possession Team – Blues (Coached)

Set up in a 1-3-4-2- formation (representative of a 1-4-4-2) (GK Serving)

Out of Possession Team – Red (Managed)

Set up in a (GK) 1-4-3-2 formation (representative of a 1-4-3-3)

Explanation:

- The attacking team (Blues) are set up with a front 4 (2 wingers and a 2 CF) and two central midfielders with 3 CB (2 FB's).

- The defending team (Red) are set up with a goalkeeper, a back four and 3 midfielders and 2 strikers.

- Play will start (and restart) from the server positioned on the half-way line.

- If the defending team win possession, they can score by counter attacking and playing into the two small target goals or the server.

HOW?

- The coach will work with the BLUES IN POSSESSION

Structure

8 minutes specific

• Feedback 
• Interventions
• Walkthrough 
• Coaching process 

KEY COACHING POINTS – EMPHASISE…

- Try to play through/around/over the opposition

- Stretch the pitch (Provide width and depth)

- Maintain high ball speed, use limited touches

- Try to play forward

REINFORCE…

- Open body shape to receive on back foot 

- Sacrifice/decoy runs

Conditions:

1. Practice starts from the server and resets when the ball goes dead or a goal is scored.

2. Red can score by passing into the small goals or into the server

Challenges:

1. Can the Blues play forward, combine with their forwards wide and centrally and play through balls behind the defence to create goalscoring opportunities?

Targets:

1. Blues to concentrate on playing through and around the defence to create opportunities.

2. Red have 8 seconds upon regaining possession to counter-attack and score.

KEY QUESTIONS:

HOW? – WHERE? – WHEN? – WHAT? – WHO? – WHY? – WHAT IF?

WHAT IS HAPPENING…

- ON the ball

- AROUND the ball

- AWAY FROM the ball

In Possession Roles & Responsibilities:

Starting positions relative to the ball...

1. CENTRAL - The front 4 should push as high as possible to pin back the defenders, with the two wingers as wide as possible. All three should look to make runs diagonally to be played in behind, or drop short to receive at feet.

2. WIDE - Ball side winger should always look to stretch the pitch as wide as possible, with the centre forwards trying to get as high as possible. The opposite winger should narrow up 15-25 yards to provide a combination opportunity with the CF and to create another threat in behind.

What if 2...

What If?
Problem 2 – One of red midfield 3 follow our midfielder to stop the pass to the Blue midfielders

Solutions:
This will create a space for the Blue CB to carry the ball to then find the blue #9 or #10 in the space created. 

SSG (25 mins)

SSG

10 vs 10 Small Sided Game

In Possession Team – Blues (Coached)

Set up in a (GK) 1-3-4-2 (representative of a 1-4-4-2)

Out of Possession Team – Red (Managed)

Set up in a (GK) 1-4-3-2 (representative of a 1-4-3-3)

Structure: 

• Feedback 
• Interventions 
• Coaching process 
• Walkthrough 

Explanation:

The ball will start with the attacking (Blue) GK after setting and applying the challenges, conditions and targets for both teams.

Conditions:

1. Continue to manage the time spent on the ball with the defending (Red) team – 8 seconds to score upon winning possession.

2. Blue wingers should always stretch the pitch as high and wide as possible within the final third and against the defensive line.

Challenges:

1. Can the Blues play forward, through the midfield units to find #9 and #11

Reward system to encourage directness:

Targets:

1. Blues to concentrate on playing through and around the midfield to create opportunities

2. Red have 8 seconds upon regaining possession to counter-attack and score.