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

Flank Play - Attacking

Session

Chloe Schleichkorn

U16 OPDL Bayhawks

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

Session Topic: Flank Play (Attacking)

Principles: Dispersal, Penetration, Support

Field: 2/3rd's of field as shown above (zone 3 & 4)

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.

Coaching Points

Dispersal: Ball gets moved across the back quickly. As the ball moves - attacking team gets wide and up/back (deep). RB receives the ball with a positive first touch forwards (if able to). Player looks to find #10/attacking CM in the diagram shown above.

Penetration: As RB receives the ball from the right CB, she plays quickly to the RW who has moved out wide to support. IF RW takes the ball inside, the RB can overlap in the open space. This then allows the RW to have options - can play the overlapping RB or play the ST or play 1v1 against the defending left back. Review the cue from the RW upon receiving to show RB her options (speed of supporting overlapping run). Review quality of cross or cut back if RW takes the ball.

Support: Right CB plays to inside CM who comes to show for the ball. As the ball is travelling to CM, RB gets into an advanced visible position to receive from CB. RW comes inside making room for RB to drive the ball up the flank. RB looks to play a cut back or a cross. ST, CMs and RW make attacking runs toward net.

Progression

Add another yellow player to make it an 8v8.

Add a time limit for attacking team.