Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): attacking final third (Start Time: 2025-01-08 15:55:00)

FAW Coach Ed

David Philip Dalton

Profile Summary

Name:	David Philip Dalton
City:	Ferryside
Country:	United Kingdom
Membership:	Adult Member
Sport:	Football/Soccer

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Description

Session Overview

Topic: Attacking the Final Third
Pitch Dimensions: Half Pitch
Number of Players: Maximum 15
Duration: 20 minutes (3 blocks of 6 minutes with 1-minute intervals)
Attacking Team Formation: 4-4-2 (No CB, No Full-Backs)
Defending Team Formation: 4-3-3 (No Wingers, No Striker)

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Specific

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Specific (20 mins)

Setup

Attacking Team: 4-4-2 (GK, 2 CBs, 2 CMs, 2 Wide Midfielders, 2 Strikers).
Defending Team: 4-3-3 (GK, Back 4, 3 Central Midfielders).
Goals:
- Attacking team scores in the full-size goal.
- Defending team counters into 2 mini-goals placed at the halfway line.
Starting Point: Ball always starts with the attacking team (from the No. 6 or No. 8)

Block 1 (6 Minutes):

Problem 1 – Compact, Narrow, and Deep Defense

Solution 1
- Switch Play Quickly: Use No. 6 and No. 8 to circulate the ball and switch to wide areas.
- Wide Overloads: Create 2v1 situations on the wide areas with the winger and a striker.
- Third-Man Runs: Trigger off-the-ball runs into the gaps to exploit spaces left by shifting defenders.
Key Coaching Points:
- Maintain ball speed to stretch the defense.
- Wingers to hold width, with strikers providing depth and movement.
- Recognize and exploit spaces in wide areas.

Block 2 (6 Minutes):

Problem 2 – Aggressive Midfield Press

Solution 2:
- Quick Passing and Movement: Engage in one-touch passing to bypass the press.
- Direct Play into Channels: Play diagonal passes into the spaces behind the pressing line.
- Drop and Build: The No. 6 drops deeper under the ball to provide an outlet, and the CB steps into midfield for support.
Key Coaching Points:
- Movement off the ball to create passing options.
- Strikers dropping into midfield to overload central areas.
- Utilize depth and composure to play through or around the press.

Block 3 (6 Minutes): Application Phase – Adapting to Both Problems

Scenario: The defending team alternates between playing compact and pressing aggressively.
Objective: The attacking team identifies and applies appropriate solutions based on the defensive setup.
Key Coaching Points:
- Recognize the defensive problem and adapt quickly.
- Encourage creativity in the final third while maintaining tactical discipline.
- Reward effective ball circulation, movement, and exploiting spaces.

Rest Intervals

1-minute rest between each block for tactical feedback and player recovery.

Progressions

Introduce a time limit for the attacking team to score, increasing intensity and decision-making under pressure.
Limit touches in midfield to promote quicker ball circulation.

. can the no.10 and 2 midfielders combine to break lines

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): SSG

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SSG (20 mins)

Goals: Full-size goals at both ends of the half pitch.

Starting Point: Ball starts with the attacking team (from a CB or CM).

Scoring: Both teams aim to score in the opposing big goal.

Problem 1: Compact, Narrow, and Deep Defense

The defending team remains compact and narrow, prioritizing protecting central areas and defending deep.

Solution 1: Create Overloads in Wide Areas

Tactic: Use the wide areas to stretch the defensive line.
- The wingers (No. 7 and No. 11) stay high and wide to pull the full-backs out of position.
- A central midfielder (e.g., No. 8) overlaps or underlaps the winger to create a 2v1 situation.
- Deliver early crosses into the box, targeting the strikers (No. 9 and No. 10).
Coaching Points:
- Timing of the runs from wingers and midfielders is critical to creating the overload.
- Ball speed and accuracy to switch play are essential to exploit spaces quickly.
- Strikers should position themselves between defenders to attack the cross effectively.

Solution 2: Quick Ball Circulation to Break Compact Shape

Tactic: Move the ball quickly between defenders and midfielders to force defensive shifts.
- The ball starts centrally, and players circulate it laterally to provoke defensive movement.
- A CB (No. 5 or No. 6) or deep CM (No. 4) switches the ball into space on the opposite flank.
Coaching Points:
- Focus on ball speed to prevent the defense from resetting.
- Encourage off-the-ball runs into pockets of space as the ball is switched.
- Communication and scanning are key to identifying when to switch the play.

Problem 2: Aggressive Pressing in the Midfield

The defending team presses high, targeting central midfielders and defenders to disrupt build-up play.

Solution 1: Use Quick Combination Play

Tactic: Play one-touch passes in triangles to bypass the press.
- A striker (No. 9) drops deeper to create a numerical advantage in midfield.
- Use short, sharp passes between CBs, CMs, and the striker to move the ball forward.
- A winger or striker then runs into space behind the pressing line to receive a through ball.
Coaching Points:
- Ensure players scan the field and anticipate defensive pressure.
- The dropping striker must create space for others by dragging defenders out of position.
- Emphasize quick decision-making and accurate passing under pressure.

Solution 2: Exploit Space Behind the Defensive Line

Tactic: Play direct, diagonal balls into the channels behind the press.
- The CBs (No. 5 and No. 6) look for opportunities to bypass the midfield with well-placed passes.
- Wingers (No. 7 and No. 11) make diagonal runs into the channels to receive the ball and drive forward.
- Strikers (No. 9 and No. 10) stay central, ready to attack cutbacks or second balls.
Coaching Points:
- Timing of the runs into space is crucial to avoid offsides.
- Encourage wingers to exploit gaps left by pressing full-backs.
- Focus on accurate delivery and ensuring the receiving player has time to control the ball.

Blended Solution for Problem Adaptation

In the final block, the defending team alternates between compact defending and high pressing. The attacking team should:

Recognize the defensive strategy early (compact or pressing).
Apply the corresponding solution (wide overloads, quick combinations, or direct play).
Maintain patience and discipline to capitalize on defensive weaknesses.