Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Transition to Defend - Counter-Press v1

Liv Rondo (25 mins)

Organization:

-28L x 24W
-Mini goals 5 yards off grid
-2 teams of 8 - 10 (16- 20 players)
-Defending team in 2 groups of 4 (one works while the other rests)

- 90sec rounds x 4 -> switch roles

- Play 2 sets = 24min

Instructions:

- 8v4

- Pressing team: 

• Score in any of the goals = 1 point

- Possession team:

• 8 passes in a row = 1 point
• After loses possession, must COUNTER-PRESS/REACT

- Keep score for every round, losing team does fitness

Coaching Points/Questions:

Without the Ball:

- Press with intensity

• ASET (Don't stop short)
• 1st defender dictate direction of next pass

With the Ball:

- Tactical: Open up, create best angle to receive pass

- Technical: 

• Scan - look to break lines
  • Furthest forward pass / split pass, if not, pass around the press to keep possession
• Increased speed of play
  • Catch & play - receive with 1 foot, pass with other
• 1 touch when possible

Transition:

- (When we lose the ball): all players react! AGGRESSIVE & URGENT REACTIONS!

- (When we win the ball): 100mph to 70mph, composure to find best goal to finish

Regression: Pressing team must connect 2 passes before finishing on goal

PSAM: 4v4 Modified (30 mins)

Organization/Setup:

• 2 Fields of 24L x 12W
• 2 Mini-goals in each field
• 15 - 20 players (3-4 players per team, 5 teams)
• 3.5 minutes x 6 
  • Progress after 3rd game
• Ladder system (winning team moves up, losing moves down, loser from bottom field rests)
• Balls spread out by each goal

Instructions/Achievement Criteria:

• Attacking team begins play by connecting 5 passes before finishing in goal = 3pts
  • When attacking team lose possession, can counter-press to win ball back & score = 1pts
• Play restarts from goal-line
• Players from team that is out/resting have balls ready to help restart play quickly on both fields
• There is NO Offsides

Coaching Points/Questions:

Attacking:

• Create space / good angle to receive pass
• Body shape open to see furthest teammates
• Quality of 1st touch in direction of next decision + quality of pass (pace + accuracy)
• Scanning - know options before ball arrives

• ASET
• 2 Channels - Close DGC

When we lose the ball:

• REACT!!! = Counter-Press!
• HUNT the ball together aggressively

• 100mph to 70mph - composed decision making after winning the ball
  • 1. Look for finish
  • 2. Look for final pass
  • 3. Keep possession

Regressions/Progressions:

• Progression: 
  • Def team upon winning possession must connect 1 pass before scoring
  • No min # of passes before scoring