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Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Build Up Play PRINCIPLE

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FAW Coach Ed

Matthew Evans

Profile Summary

Matthew Evans
Name: Matthew Evans
City: Windsor
Country: United Kingdom
Membership: Adult Member
Sport: Football/Soccer
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Description

Session Focus:

Controlled Possession – When to Play Over, Around, or Through

Session Details:

  • Players: 16 players (including 2 GKs)

  • Pitch Size: 36 yards (length) x 44 yards (width)

  • Duration: 25 minutes total

  • Structure: 3 x 3-minute blocks per team

Scoring Method:

  • Each team starts with 12 balls for 3 minutes.

  • Objective: Keep as many balls as possible by the end of each 3-minute block.

  • Ball Management:

    • If a poor pass or loss of possession results in the ball leaving the area, coach plays in a new ball.

    • If the defending team wins possession and scores, one ball is removed permanently from the 12-ball supply.

    • If the overloaded team wins the ball back during transition, they continue playing with the same ball until it naturally restarts (out of play or goal).

Restarts:

  • All restarts from the coach, either after a ball goes out of play or a goal is scored.

Rules:

  • 1 defender joins the attacking team upon gaining possession (creating a 9v7 in possession, plus 2 GKs = 11v7).

Blocks:

  • Block 1 – Free Play:

    • Allow players to get a feel for the practice with minimal restrictions. Observe natural decision-making when in possession.

  • Block 2 – Defensive Shape Protects Central Areas (Encourage Play Around):

    • Defending team focuses on protecting the middle of the pitch. In possession, the attacking team should recognise opportunities to circulate the ball and play around the block.

  • Block 3 – High Defensive Press (Play Over with Control):

    • Defending team applies full press across the pitch. Attacking team must identify moments to play over the press while maintaining possession quality and control.

  • Final Stage – 8v8 Game with 2 Goalkeepers as Neutral Players:

    • Transition into an 8v8 small-sided game format with only the two goalkeepers acting as support (neutral) players to maintain game realism and challenge decision-making under pressure.


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Principle of Play – Controlled Possession with Purpose

Control the Tempo & Dictate the Play

  • Focus on managing the pace of the game. Players should dictate play with composure and purpose.

Confidence to Take the Ball

  • Encourage players to be brave in possession, offering themselves as options and being comfortable under pressure.

Clear Decision-Making: When to Play Over/Around/Through

  • Foster decisive actions, ensuring players know when to play direct passes over the defense, around pressing players, or through gaps.

  • Switch Play to Move the Ball Away from Pressure

  • Teach players to quickly identify and exploit space by switching the ball to the opposite side when under pressure.

Minimal Touches, Quick Ball Movement

  • Emphasize the importance of limiting touches and moving the ball rapidly to maintain tempo and create space.

Key Positional Information:

  • Central Link (Support and Play Through): Maintain central options to progress possession.

  • Width (Use the Full Pitch): Utilize the entire width of the field to stretch the defense and create passing lanes.

  • Depth (Creating Space): Create depth by positioning yourself to receive passes in open areas.

Good Movement, Angles & Distances to Control Space

  • Encourage players to create effective angles and distances to open

Key Messages Related to Specific Parts of the Game:

Defensive Transition = Counter-Pressing – Defend & Retain the Ball Quickly!

  • Fast reactions to win the ball back immediately and transition into attack.

Out of Possession = Maintain Tight Distances Between Players, Show Away from Goal, & Prevent Central Passes

  • Ensure compactness and restrict space, especially centrally, to limit the opponent’s options.

Attacking Transition = Secure the First Pass After Winning the Ball

  • Upon regaining possession, focus on making the first pass count and transitioning quickly to exploit spaces.


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