Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Breaking lines Attacking SSG

Divide the pitch into three horizontal zones using flat markers (defensive, midfield, and attacking thirds).

Each third has designated players – they must remain in their zone unless otherwise stated.

One main goal defended by the blue team (with a goalkeeper), and two small goals defended by the red team.

Ball starts with either team depending on the phase.

Each player is limited to three touches maximum.

To move from one zone to the next, teams must find a pass into a teammate already positioned in the next zone.

Initially, teams must go through all three zones in order before attacking.

Start with the red team in possession in their defensive third.

They must play through the zones in sequence by finding a player in the next third.

Once they reach the attacking third, they aim to score in the two mini-goals.

The blue team starts in a compact shape, pressing in their zones and aiming to intercept and transition to attack.

When the blue team wins the ball, they must progress through the zones and then attack the large goal.

Both teams switch attacking direction halfway through the activity to experience defending and attacking both sets of goals.

Timing of movement to receive in the next zone

Body shape when receiving under pressure

Passing angles and combinations to progress through thirds

Encourage quick scanning and decisions under a 3-touch limit

Teams must remain composed and build gradually, not force play

Allow one player to break into the next zone once the ball is played forward (create overloads).

Add a floating neutral player who can move freely across zones.

After one successful switch, allow teams to skip a zone with a direct forward pass if space is identified.

Remove touch restriction if players struggle to maintain flow.

Increase zone size to give more time on the ball.

Allow support from coach to play the first ball into the next zone if players hesitate.

Challenge: Can you progress through all zones using no more than 2 passes per zone?

Condition: 3-touch maximum per player in all zones.

Target: First team to score 3 structured goals (after full zone progression).

Social: Can players communicate clearly and give visual cues to receive?

Total session: 25 minutes

• Block 1 (10–12 mins): Red team attacks small goals, blue defends large goal

• Block 2 (10–12 mins): Switch roles – blue attacks small goals, red defends large goal

• Final 1–2 mins: Open reflection or player-led analysis

Ensure equal opportunity for both teams to experience different attacking/defending strategies

Pitch divided into 3 horizontal zones using flat markers

Teams: 7v7 including goalkeepers

Each team has 2 players in each third and 1 floating midfielder who can join either middle or attacking third

Players must remain in their zones unless conditions are met

Players are locked into their zone initially.

A player may enter the next zone only:

• After passing forward into it

• After dribbling into it successfully

• This movement creates an overload (e.g. 3v2 in the next zone)

You must build your attack through each zone — no direct long passes skipping zones

Encourage quick circulation and support runs when progressing forward

Defensive team must recover compactly when the opposition enters their third

Normal goals = 1 point

If a team scores after successfully creating an overload (e.g. 3v2 or 4v3 in final third), award 2 points

Unlock all players: Free movement across zones

Play normal match rules, but maintain awareness of zone control and overloads

Encourage players to transfer what they learned (line-breaking, support play, timing)

Pass or dribble with purpose to break into next zone

Movement off the ball after playing forward

Communication between lines: who supports? Who sits?

Transition moments – can you quickly get numbers into the next zone?

Defensive reaction – can you recover or delay when outnumbered?

Challenge: Can your team create an overload and score within 10 seconds of entering the final third?

Condition: Entry into a new zone must be followed by a pass or shot within 5 seconds

Target: Create 3 overloads that lead to a shot per block

Social: Emphasise leadership and communication from the central midfielder

Block 1 (10–15 minutes): Structured rules using zones + overload condition

Block 2 (8–10 minutes): Free play with focus on retaining tactical discipline

Use final minutes for reflection or player-led analysis ("Where did we create the most danger?")