Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Midfield Rotation in 1-4-3-3

Passing Practice (15 mins)

Passing Practice

Setup: as shown

Distance of 40m cone to cone with 10m between each line

Explanation:

Ball starts from yellow cone with the aim to pass to the green cone using the players on the three poles nearest the yellow cone (i.e. the far pole near the green is excluded). This is reversed when playing from green to yellow.

The player that plays the final pass to the player on the cone follows their pass out and the player from the yellow cone moves on to a pole.

There is no set script or pattern. We allow players to explore and develop their own patterns with a constant reminder of our task ensuring each of the 3 midfielders have touched the ball.

Task: Players must be able to play a first time, forward pass to green/yellow.

Progression:

• Add one defender to apply semi-passive pressure (touch tight but no tackle)
• Add two defendersto apply semi-passive pressure (touch tight but no tackle)
• Allow defenders to tackle

8 v 8 (25 mins)

Training Game

Description:

Zoned game (size as shown) keeping 3 v 3 in the central area and 3 v 2 in the end zone.

If balls go out, play restarts from GK.

Shaded (wide) area left empty. One defender may enter this area to receive a pass when in possession. They must play an early ball into the midfielders (can't play to the forwards).

Offside applies from the poles (mid-point of end zone to allow room to present for forwards).

Shape: 1-3-3-2 (both sides)

Progression:

An attacking midfielder can enter the end zone 

Coaching Points:

• Movement must be done with purpose (i.e. pace and direction)
• Ensure you can you see the ball (this may require you to turn and run backwards)
• Where possible can you receive level and beyond the opposing midfielder
• Can you receive on the half turn and take a forward touch
• High ball speed, low touch
• Scan before you receive
• Fill the space
• Support and cover 

Player Tasks & Cues:

• As the ball is played to a central defender can our 6 & 8 create wide angles to receive a pass.
• when a central defender has time and space can our 6 & 8 drift high to create a central passing space for the 10 to attack and receive
• When a single central midfielder presents centrally can our wide backs look to support by moving in to the wide (shaded) channel to receive an early pass from the midfielder.
• As the ball travels to the wide channel can the most advanced near side midfielder move higher to create space centrally
• As the ball travels to the wide channel can the far side midfielder drop to a covering position to create space in which they can then turn and attack as the ball arrives at their feet.  
• As the 6 moves to a wide position in the central channel can the 8/10 on the opposite side present in the space. Can the near side 8/10 (side on which the 6 moves to) move to a high position