Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): (YDP) Defending overloads in flank areas

(YDP) Defending overloads in flank areas

Practice organisation

• Area 60x40yds marked into equal thirds, with 10yd flank channels

divided into three sections on each side running full length &

appropriate size goals at each end, as illustrated.

• 16 players (incl. 2GK’s) arranged 8v8, 1 ball.

• Game is organised 2v2 in each end third, with 3v3 in middle third.

• Off-side applies in each attacking third.

• Practice starts with: coach feeds ball into MF.

• Attacking team must visit & overload at least 2 of the

flank areas before attacking goal.

• Defending team sends one or two D’s in response to attacking team.

• Overloads can be 1A v 0D, 2A v 1D or 3A v 2D in the wide sections.

• Practice restarts with opposite team GK rolling ball

to D’s, who then look to pass into MF.

Detail

• Area can be modified, depending on numbers & age of players.

• Emphasis on players making decisions on their own

team defensive arrangements.

• Prioritising marking of opponents in central areas when D’s are

drawn away towards flanks.

• Preventing crosses & marking opponents in goal scoring areas.

• Defending against changes of play across the pitch.

• Simple progression for this practice is:

- Award 3 points to opponents if goal is scored from

a cross & 1 point if goal is scored from central attack.

Key coaching points

• Defending when out-numbered in flank areas.

• Speed & angle of approach to ball.

• Distance from ball when pressing.

• Pressure, cover & balance.

• When to pressurise & when to concede ground.

• Showing opponents outside or across pitch.

• Preventing penetrating through passes.

U12 – The player should be able to complete the Learning outcomes in 4v4 functional practices.

U13 – The players should be able to complete the Learning outcomes during under loaded functional practices

U14 – The players should be able to complete the Learning outcomes during under loaded functional practice and SSG

U15/16 – The players should be able to complete the Learning outcomes during under loaded functional practices and 11 v 11 games.