Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Breaking lines

Unopposed Passing Practice (15 mins)

This is an unopposed passing practice in which the player receiving the ball in the middle of four tall cones simulates receiving a line-breaking pass. 

The ball starts at the flat marker where two players – Player A and Player D – are positioned. 

Player A plays to Player B, who receives ‘half-turned’ in between the cones.

Player A follows his pass into the central area. 

After turning and driving beyond the cones ,Player B plays a pass into Player C, who is positioned at the far flat marker. 

Player B then follows his pass out of the middle. 

Player C’s first pass is to Player A, who has moved into the middle of the grid. 

Adaptations (Progressions & Regressions):

Progression 1

Player A and Player B combine to playa ‘wall-pass’ before Player B receives the ball in the middle of the four cones and then plays out to Player C.

Progression 2

Player A and Player B exchange the same wall-pass.

Player B then moves to the back of the nearest queue, while Player A plays a longer pass intoPlayer C.

Player A then makes a new passing angle to link with Player C.

Player C and Player A exchange a wall-pass before Player A replaces Player C at the far flat marker.

Challenges, Conditions or Targets:

MECHANICS PASSING

• Look at target, Eye on ball, Angle of approach, Non-kicking foot alongside ball in a comfortable position, Strike centre of ball with inside / outside of foot, (Identified area of ball), Firm ankle, Follow through towards target.

RECEIVING ON AN ANGLE 

• The player receiving the ball in the middle of the mannequins should avoid doing so on a straight line, and look to create an angled passing line. The practice’s second variation (Progression 1) forces them to do so. 

WEIGHT OF PASS 

• The player playing into the central player should do so in such a way that the receiver can turn comfortably; passes should not be overhit or under hit. 

PRECISION 

• Passes into the central player should be to their back foot, so that they are able to turn using one touch. At the first stage of the practice, the receiving player’s first touch should position them to quickly break the second line of cones. 

SCANNING 

• The player receiving the ball in the middle of the mannequins should scan their shoulder prior to receiving the ball so that they are aware of the ‘picture’ behind them. 

MOVEMENT TO LINK PLAY

• Players tasked with linking play in Progression 1 and Progression 2 should move in a way that reflects how they would try to lose a marker in a game; they should arrive at pace.

Semi-Opposed Possession Game (20 mins)

In this practice, 3 teams of 5 players and rotated. 

Each set of 3 players is restricted to staying in the irrespective zone. 

The aim for the team in possession is to work the ball through or around a line of defenders and into their line of teammates. 

If the Defence gain possession, roles immediately reverse and look to play ball into mini goals in which they are facing. 

Play to restart at opposite end.

In order to test the opposition’s capacity to break a defensive line, the defending players should set up with minimal distance between them and their teammates.

Each player is permitted a possible maximum touches.  

Adaptations (Progressions & Regressions): 

Progression 1

One attacking player is permitted to dribble with the ball into the defensive line’s zone and attempt to beat a man. 

Equally, one player from the defensive line immediately facing the ball can be permitted to enter the opposition zone as a pressing player. 

Challenges, Conditions or Targets:

PASSING

• Maintain the importance of mechanics.

IN POSSESSION DISGUISED PASSING 

• The players aiming to split an opposition defensive line should be encouraged to used ‘disguised passes’ in order to deceive the opposition defenders.

 DEPTH TO THE ATTACKING LINE 

• A line of four attacking players should not be stood ina straight line; there should be depth to the line that allows quick switches of play and permits forward passing that invites a player to break a line. 

PATIENCE 

• Attacking players should move the ball quickly acrossthe line while waiting patiently for a gap to appear in the opposition’s defensive line. 

PASSING ANGLES 

• The players in the line of attackers waiting to receive possession should work hard to open a passing line.• This entails moving behind the defensive line to workan appropriate angle to the ball-carrier to allow them to break the defensive line. 

DEFENSIVE MECHANICS

• Get in line with the ball, Pressure on the ball, Deceleration, Body position, Stay on toes, Be patient, Decision to win the ball.

OUT OF POSSESSION COMPACT DEFENSIVE LINES 

• In order to test the opposition’s capacity to break a  defensive line, the defending players should set up with minimal distance between them and their teammates. 

• As the practice progresses and one defender is able to press in the attacking team’s zone, the remaining three defenders should cover his back, narrow up and avoid being played through.