Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Breaking Lines - In Possession

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Key Factors

• To develop the players understanding of breaking lines within a game scenario, and how to do it, through, around or over, depending on what pressure is bring applied.

Organisation

• Pitch is split into 3 20y thirds, with 2 full size goals.
• 2 teams of 7v7, based on a squad of 16.
•  If only 1 GK place poles 1m in from post, with a ball on the cone to act as goal/bonus point.
  • If uneven numbers, a common player can be added.
• Leave bibs in grid.
• Teams set up in a 331 system which is worked back from a 433.
  • Left/Right sided CB acts also as the full back when in play
  • Wide midfielder also acts as winger when in play

Explanation

• Teams only ever occupy 2 thirds.
• Objective is to play a ball into the final third, by breaking the back line. This third is out of bounds until the line is broke.
• When the line is broke, All players can move into the final third, and must vacate the defensive third (pushing up). This third is now out of bounds.
• Both teams are focusing on the in possession principle of breaking the line.

• Make the pitch big in possession (width & depth).
• Limit touches and move the ball quick.
• Body shape to see as much of the pitch.
• Through, around or over.
• Make forward runs, trust your team mate.
• Time runs, hold runs, and be creative with your runs.
• When is the best time to break the lines? Counter attack.
• Get your head up, to see the picture.
• Be brave!

• 1 point for passing around the defensive team.
• 2 points for passing through the defensive team
• 3 points for a goal.
• Limit touches if required.
• Give defenders a time limit to get up with play when line is broke if required.