Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): DEFENDING THE OVERLOAD

Warm up (20 mins)

WARM UP

6.30-6.50

Dynamics.

Reaction sprint races as shown. Players line up and on the shout 'red' or 'yellow' run to said side. Mix it up, try and catch them out and make it fun. 5 press ups for loser each time. Progress to opposites, if i shout red go to yellow, yellow go to red. 

Last 5 mins split into 3 groups of 5 for short sharp races, twisting, turning, forward and backward running.

4 vs 3 (25 mins)

Focus + Session design

• Half pitch practice, width of pitch narrowed in as shown. 
• 4 + 1 (white central player) vs 3 in each zone. Halfway line and mannequins highlighting end of each zone.
• Players are locked into zones to start.
• Blues will combine and play into attackers. They then attack the 3 red defenders in a 4vs3. Once that attack has finished Red GK will play out, reds will combine and play into their attackers and so on.
• Manage the attacking 4 to play quickly, stretch the pitch and attack with intensity. 
• For first 3 minutes the team in possession will play into their attacking teammates unoppossed to allow repetition and players to understand practice.  
• Red team are looking to combine and dribble into end zone. Mini goals not to be used as the u12's are playing a match on the other half. 
• Blocks 2,3 and 4 defending team can now be pressed by attacking 4 to stop them playing through, 1 or 2 attacking players can drop and help them build, preferably wide players. Important they transition quickly and attack with numbers to test defending 3.
• Offsides apply

Coaching detail

• Again INTENSITY when we defend, bodies on the line. When you press, do so with a purpose. If jumping up to press, must win the ball or at least send them back. 
• Communication, GK included. 
• Body position, open body position to watch the ball and players.
• Delay the attacks, protect central areas.
• When central attacker runs towards goal, work with central defender on when to press. Trigger? When he does press the ball the position of outside defenders are crucial. Must move together, as he jumps up to press other two should narrow off and cover.

Progressions/Regressions

• 1 point for a goal/dribble into end zone.
• Switch teams after 2 blocks.
• Adapt pitch to make it easier/harder for defenders
• Add a recovery midfield player in to help defensive 3 after 5 seconds.
• If defending 3 squeeze high and attacking team struggle to build, manage defenders to start on 18 yard box and squeeze out as ball travels.

Individual Development + Challenges

• Jack and Iwan (u16's) to help/talk to Martins (u15 trialist) as much as possible in their defensive 3.