Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): defence transition

Warm-up

Warm-up

Part 1 - Race:

2 teams that have to zig-zag in and out the cones then tuck jump over the hurdles and sprint to the ball, aiming to score a goal and earn a point for the team. 

Part 2 - Passing:

Straight pass then diagonal, follow your pass. 

Screen 4 (20 mins)

Set Up:

• 1/3rd of a pitch
• 13 Players
• 4x4min Blocks
• RED - Back 4 and 2 6's
• BLUE - 2 6s, 2 CFs, 2 Wide players

Session Explained:

• Play starts from the coach on the half way line, who passes to the BLUE CM. BLUE are aiming to score in the goal
• RED team are aiming to win the ball back and get the ball back to the coach within 8 seconds.
• RED Gk can restart play if the ball goes out of play for a goal kick.

• Ball enters the wide area - 1v1 between winger and defender
• Winger aiming to beat the defender and get a cross into the box
• Defender aiming to block the cross/force the winger to go backwards/win possession back 

Coaching Points for FB

• Start narrow to prevent pass being played between CB and FB
• Press as the ball travels to the winger quick and aggressively
• As you get to the winger, slow down and jockey when he takes his first touch
• Angle of the press - Show the winger down the line and engage a 1v1. Cant over commit and allow a cross into the box
• Aim to get tight to the player, stop the crossing angle
• Try not to dive in and over commit incase the winger uses skill to deceive you, watch the ball not the player.

• Knee's bent, side on body position - Able to pivot and change direction 
• Footwork - small steps so you can adjust. Will allow for quicker movements  

• Can you travel quickly to the ball but put the brakes on as the winger takes their first touch
• Can you get touch tight to allow more chance to block any crosses
• Can you avoid selling yourself when attempting to block a cross or shot - no DUMMIES

Activity #1 (15 mins)

Set-up: Use the entire space.

Organization: Divide the groups into four teams and put each team into their own corner. One at a time players leave to collect a ball and bring it back to their area. Team with the most balls at the end wins. 

Progression: Once all the balls are out of the middle area players can steal from other teams. Players cannot defend if a player steals from their team. Have a set number that teams are trying to achieve / collect 5 balls. 

Regression: You can start with players having to carry the ball with their hands to make it easier to understand and improve activity quality.