Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Create overloads to progress thru Thirds with constraints game

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Set up: Pitch split into 3rds of 3 x 15x30 with goal at each end (formation depending on number of players available).Players in 2 teams with 1 F playing for both teams to create overloads in possession. The game will always begin with one of the goalkeepers in possession. If there is a goal, ball out of bounds or a foul, play restarts with the opposition goalkeeper. Play three games of four minutes, with 90 seconds of rest in between games.

CONSTRAINTS 

• Both offensively and defensively, each team must have at least one outfield player in each of the three zones at any one time. 
• There are no touch restrictions, although whichever team is in possession should be encouraged to move the ball as quickly as possible. 
• The offside rule is in effect in the final third for each team in possession. 

SCORING 

•  Regular scoring for both teams is worth one goal. 
•  Connecting a pass in each third and then scoring is worth three goal

PASS QUALITY 

• On all passes, demand crisp passes with the appropriate speed to help facilitate the next pass for a teammate. It is important to maintain a good rhythm, so play off one touch where possible. If the timing is off or a poor pass is played, take a second or a third touch.
•  BODY SHAPE It is important for both neutral and wide players to maintain a side-on body shape so they can scan the pitch and identify the free spaces to attack. This will enable control towards the free spaces and easier progress through the thirds.
• OPPOSITES When progressing through the thirds, it is important to use opposites. Pass wide in order to find the space back inside, or pass centrally to then play wide towards the free man. Using the concept of opposites can move defenders and create space to play through them. 
• THIRD-MAN COMBINATIONS Creating triangles and diamonds will help facilitate third-man combinations – for example, neutral player to neutral player and setting the ball wide to a support player in the side lane. 
•  The idea is to play to the furthest free player, who can then set the ball to a teammate facing forward. This third man will be able to make a better decision with the ball, receiving facing forward with time and space. 
• TRAVEL TOGETHER As the team progresses with the ball, it is important to remain connected as a team, keeping good distances to ensure optimal ball circulation.  When the team progresses into the free zone with the ball, the players furthest from the ball must quickly change pace to keep the distances close, ready for the next passing sequence or to apply counter-pressure. 
• SECURING THE FIRST PASS When recovering possession, both teams should look to secure possession with the closest neutral player on one of the end lines. Securing the first pass and escaping pressure will give this team time to reorganise their shape and begin their possession. 
• OUT POSSESSIONAGGRESSIVE, ZONAL DEFENDING• The team out of possession should defend with aggression and intensity. They should utilise a 2-2 defensive structure, moving together as a compact unit to recover the ball while ready to organise quickly into their offensive shape 
• COUNTER-PRESS  After losing possession, both teams should apply a strong counter-press to regain the ball as quickly as possible. If possession is not recovered within five seconds, quickly organise into the 2-2 defensive shape.