Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Flank Play - Defending

Flank Play - Defending

Session

Chloe Schleichkorn

U16 OPDL Bayhawks

December 21st, 2020 - 6:00-7:00pm

Session Topic: Flank Play (Defending)

Principles: Delay, Depth & cover, Concentration, Balance & Cover

Field: 2/3rd's of field as shown above (zone 1 & 2)

Equipment

1 large goal, 2 small goals, cones, soccer balls, 7 x yellow pinnies, 8 black pinnies, 1 green GK pinnie

Instructions

Both teams set up as 4-3-3 (adjusted) formation. Game starts as an 8v7 with the black team (attacking) looking to score in the full size goal, and then yellow team (defending) to score in the small target goals. Ball stats from left CB who then initiates the attack. Regular laws of the game apply except corners and throw-ins. Black team starts with ball at restarts. If GK picks up the bal - yellow can counter in small target goals.

Coaching Points

As the black team works to play down the flank to their RW to score on the large net, the yellow team will look to press. The LW will look to delay the black RB in an effort to stop forward play. If the ball gets played forward to the RW - the LW will press from behind and disallow any passed backwards. The CM will provide cover for the LB who will press the player with the ball. If the RW takes a first touch inside or looks to move inside, the CM can then press and the LB will drop back into a covering position. The two CBs will shift over to balance out the back line. Player pressing will attempt to stop any shots on net.

Defending team is to stay compact while dictacting the play wide. Ensure communication from supporting players is constant (including the GK).

UPON regaining possession of the ball, the yellow team will look to score in one of the two smaller target nets.

Progression

Add another black player to make it an 8v8.