Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Mid-Block 1-4-4-2 Session

6v6 Possession Game

Organisation:

• This activity is for the midfield to practice when the ball has got between the lines (behind the strikers)
• 6v6 with both teams lining up in a 4-2.
• Attacking midfielders are limited to 2 touches to keep the intensity high with the attackers only having 1 touch each.
• All players must stay within their zones.
• If blue midfielders intercept the ball, they look to counter attack by playing to their strikers to score.

Key Points:

• Keep compact through shifting laterally as a unit and keep a staggered shape.
• The ball-near player should step towards the ball, when able to securely do so, with the players beside him dropping off.
  
• This allows them to cover a lot more width, whilst not allowing balls to be played between them, than they could if in the same horizontal line.
  
• Communication

8v8 Conditioned Game

Organisation:

• 1-4-2 vs. 1-4-2
• Play starts with a pass into the either teams CB's. Attacking team look to build up and score through entering the oppositions half.
• Both teams play in a mid-block, constricting space in their defensive zone. 
• Neither team cannot press into build-up zone initially. 
• If defensive team win possession they look to score as in a game. Bonus points for scoring within 10 seconds. 
• Full-backs/wingers cannot enter the end zone from the wide channels. 
• Defenders can only enter wide channels once the ball enters the area.

Modify:

• A pass back from the progression area to the build-up area can trigger a press if blue team feel it is on.

Key Points:

• Pressing triggers - when/where/how
• Balance Cover - Defending space/passing lanes
• Compactness - force play outside
• Make play predictable
• Attack with speed once possession has been regained