Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Lloyd_Griffin_FAW UEFA B_IP_Specific_Switching_Play_Into_SSG_(8) (Start Time: 2023-01-15 09:00:00)

Specific Framing

SPECIFIC into SSG Practice

Framing "The Welsh Way Principles" – IN POSSESSION

In Possession Team – Blues (Coached)

- Blues are set up with two fullbacks, two midfielders (One deep-lying (6) and One advanced (10)) and a front 3.

- Greens are set up with a goalkeeper, a back four, a twin midfield screen and a #10.

- Play will start (and restart) from the two Black servers operating in the shaded zone behind the halfway line to build the attack.

- If Greens win possession a managed countdown of 6 seconds will be implemented for them to counter-attack and score by scoring into the mini goals.

- The coach will work with the BLUES IN POSSESSION on how to switch the play.

- 2 x 4-minute blocks

- 8 minutes ball rolling time

- 2 x 1-minute active recovery – feedback / walkthrough / coaching process opportunities

- Movement to receive - create separation away from marker, use of double movements.

- Body position to receive - open hips facing forwards, looking to take first touch on furthest foot to set up next action to be forwards. 

- Use limited touches to move the ball quickly and switch in as few passes as possible.

- Identify who might be positioned to switch the ball and how - through, around, over...

- Pass detail - Understand the weight and speed needed to reach intended receiver.

- Provide angles of support - beyond, beside, below the ball.

1. Full width of the pitch (Greens can go and engage).

2. The two Black servers are locked into the shaded zone and cannot join in. Also can you try to limit touches to maintain realism. Communicate between to know who is offering support.

3. Initially Blue FB's focus is to provide support from below.

4. Greens have a managed 6 second timer upon regaining the ball to counter-attack and score into the mini goals.

5. Offside rule applies to maintain game realism.

1. Greens (Managed) are looking to force the opposition into a wide area and steal the ball. Reward with 2 goals if they can break lines and counter-attack upon regaining possession and score into any of the mini goals.

2. When the ball travels into a wide position, the Greens (Managed) should try to occupy two out of the three channels, leaving the furthest.

1. Blue must get the ball into either wide zone and then switch play before scoring. Reward with 1 goal for achieving switch of play.

2. Reward with 3 goals if a goal is scored following a switch of play being made.

3. Any regular goal scored by Blue = 1 goal.

Problem 1 (Lloyd Lead) (5 mins)

Problem 1

Green team defending FB's steps out to engage and apply aggressive pressure to Blue wide players (7 or 11) as they receive the ball, forcing play backwards. 

KEY COACHING POINTS OUT OF POSSESSION (Greens Managed not coached) – EMPHASISE…

- Angle of approach run - always aim to show the opposition backwards first, outside second.

- Intensity of press - Apply pressure fast, be aggressive.

- Distances between each other. Provide cover and balance.

Solution 1

Blue wide 7 or 11 circulates ball laterally or backwards to supporting Blue midfielder (8) or ball side FB who look to switch the play using quick ball speed to disrupt Green opposition's compactness.

Blues are allowed to use Black servers who are limited to two touches. 

Key Coaching Point (1): Make the pitch as big as possible so it is difficult for the opposition FB to get out and apply pressure. 7 and 11 stay touchline wide, 9 to stretch the pitch vertically. CM to push forward and be available for a wall pass. Ball side FB to provide support from below the ball.

Key Coaching Point (2): Use limited touches to move the ball quickly.

SSG Framing

SSG

9 vs 9 Small Sided Game

In Possession Team – Blues (Managed)

- Pitch will be tapered off (Blue IP missing 1 CB and 1 CM and Green OP Wingers not required)

Structure

- 2 x 4-minute blocks

- 8 minutes ball rolling

- 2 x 1-minute active rest – feedback / interventions (coaching process & walkthrough opportunities)

*Apply same challenges and conditions as previous*

Explanation

- The ball will start with the attacking Blue GK after setting and applying the challenges, conditions and targets for both teams. 

KEY QUESTIONS:

HOW? – WHERE? – WHEN? – WHAT? – WHO? – WHY? – WHAT IF? 

WHAT IS HAPPENING…

- ON the ball

- AROUND the ball

- AWAY FROM the ball 

Conditions

1. Continue to manage the time spent on the ball with the defending Green team to ensure maximum opportunity to coach Blue team IP - 6 second timer.

2. At least ONE Blue defender and ONE Green player should stay in the tapered area in the Blue defensive third. Green ST to use centre circle lines as reference point and try to stop switch of play by blocking passing lanes out to the other side and forcing direction.

3. Blue wingers should always stretch the pitch as high and wide as possible within the final third and against the defensive line. 

Targets

1. Blue to concentrate on trying to play around and through the Green defence to create shooting opportunities.

Blue IP - Encourage quick ball speed to switch the play as quickly as possible

Every switch = 1 goal.

A regular goal = 1 goal.

A switch resulting in a goal = 3 goals.

A direct switch from wide channel to opposite wide channel = 5 goals. Try to encourage switch as quickly as possible, if opportunity is available. Recognise there may be occasions to play directly over.

Green OP - (Managed not coached) - Communication, distances & maintain concentration

2. Greens have 6 seconds upon regaining possession to counter-attack and score = 2 goals. 

Potential Interventions 

- Concurrent

- Terminal

- Walk Through

- Coaching Process

Problem 4 (Lloyd Lead) (5 mins)

Problem 4

Continue to manage Greens Out of Possession team to maintain a high defensive line using the poles as a reference point, leaving space in behind for In Possession team to exploit.

Solution 4

Encourage FBs to provide angles of support with: (a) an overlap; (b) an underlap. This has the potential to create overload opportunities (2v1’s) in wide areas and increase probability of success in achieving the final pass.

Key Coaching Point (1): Ball side FB to provide supporting angle depending on wingers’ movement. If winger rolls inside, movement outside to maintain width. If winger stays wide, move inside to provide supporting angle beside ball and option of a one-two wall pass.

Key Coaching Point (2): Timing of movement to receive. Opposite side FB to recognise cue and begin movement away as ball is passed laterally or backwards. Blue 9 to slide across to Green ball side CB to pin.