Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): task 4 session 3

FAW.UEFA B Licence - Task 4 - Session 3 - Focused Practice - Preventing Wide Crosses/Forcing Switch

Key Factors

FAW.UEFA B Licence - Focused Practice - Preventing Wide Crosses/Forcing Switch - Specific Practice

Organisation

X2 Teams - Light Blue v Reds (Inc GKS) 6v6

Light Blue = Out of Possession

Reds = In Possession

3 Quarter Size Pitch signified by the pink lines

X2 Channels - Only two players allowed in the channels are the RED Wingers

Pitch is split into three thirds (Defensive 3rd - Midfield 3rd - Final 3rd) as indicted by the dark red lines.

Specific Practice

Players for both teams have been allocated positions

REDS = IN Possession

X1 Midfielder (highlighted via the box on the floor)

X2 Wingers (not allowed outside of channels)

X2 Midfielders

X1 Striker

BLUES = OUT of Possession

X3 Defenders

X2 Midfielders

X1 Striker

Objectives:

In Possession:

1. To provide crosses from wide areas

2. To be more effective in the final third (Pitch geography / Player movement / Use of wingers) = 3v3 = Match Realistic. 

(Increased shots/chances from crosses/Wide players).

Out of possession

1. To prevent crosses into the box / from the wide areas

2. To press high and to force a switch of play from the opposition

Player Conditions

1. RED Wingers = To cross the ball at the earliest opportunity

2. LIGHT BLUE Midfield to press the highlighted RED midfielder at the earliest opportunity, to force a switch of play by the RED team 

3. RED Midfield to Switch Play at any given opportunity, using the channels, to increase the number of crosses and further chances within the final 3rd.

4. LIGHT BLUE Defenders to work within units, to close down space and wingers, preventing crosses. Additionally working within a unit with the midfield to increase pressure and force a switch of play.

Player Targets 

1. To cross the ball at the earliest opportunity 

2. To switch play before pressure from opposition 

3. To increase pressure on the In Possession Team to force switch of play

By playing crossing the ball at the earliest opportunity, this will increase the number of chances and possibly success rate in the final third - the early crosses will also force the out of possession team to work in units, increase intensity and work to close down the players and crosses, whilst dealing with any threats within the final third (Defensive/Out of possession organisation). 

Use of other Coaches/Staff: 

Coach A will manage the In Possession team giving instructions - terminal feedback - ensuring player conditions 

Coach B will manage the Out of Possession team