Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 3v2 Holding The Middle Area

3v2 Holding The Middle Area

Instructions:

• 2 Channels of 30x30yds. 3 Attackers against 2 defenders with the central attacker remaining behind the receiving line at all times

• 2 Defenders begin by passing the ball up to the 3 attackers. They work to penetrate and score into small side goals (Holding CM can shoot and score too)

• If defenders win the ball they turn and drive back across their own goal line. Spare defender swaps in every other attack.

Progressions:

• Spare defender sprints around the deepest attacker to be recovering defender.

• Holding centre midfielder can go beyond the receiving line.

• Attackers must finish 1 touch into goal.

Attacking Coaching Points:

• Regardless of who receives the ball it should begin from the holding CM. Create width and height from 2 attackers without the ball.

• Wide players must be available to receive. When they do receive a pass they should be aggressive in 1v1 if possible

• Once player passes the ball to another attacker, they should sprint into a space unoccupied by a defender to receive forward pass or at the least move a defender and create space for others.

Defending Coaching Points:

• Close the space as high away from goal as possible and slow down before engaging

• Isolate the attackers into a 2v2 by channeling the person on the ball away from the supporting pass (Hips and Shoulders close off angles). Do not let the ball be transferred out of the area.

• 2nd defender moves to support first defender and block path to goal WITHOUT being split by a pass.

• Win the ball when the opportunity presents.