Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Organizing Team Shape

Organizing Team Shape (20 mins)

Instructions:

• 40x54. Divide the area into thirds (40x18). Adjust if necessary depending on age and level.

• 9 Attackers vs 6 Defenders. Four attackers and one defender in one third, four defenders and one attacker in the middle third, and four attackers and one defender in the final third. Place players according to their positions.

• The objective of the game is for the attackers to play the ball through the middle third to get the ball to the awaiting attackers.

• If the defenders win the ball, they can transition and score on the main goal.

Progressions:

• Attacking team must complete 3 passes before penetrating through middle third (concept to be patient and work the opportunity to go through the holding midfielder)

• Reduce attackers to two-touch to encourage looking to play forward and anticipate the next action.

Attacking Coaching Points:

• Quick control of the ball with an awareness of teammates and opponents around you

• Keep the balance between your teammates and do not fill the same spaces they do

• Move the ball efficiently (quickly and accurately) and take opportunities to penetrate opponents lines where possible

• Support the receiving player on the ball with good timing of run (not ahead or far behind the ball)

• Look and think beyond the first pass

Defending Coaching Points:

• Keep the ball on one side of the field and minimise options for opponents to switch

• Communicate with each other on who should press, cover the split pass and get ready to press the next pass

• Shift across the pitch when the ball is switched to cover possible penetrating pass.

• Win the ball when the opportunity presents itself.