Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defend from the front to Counter Attack

Screen 1 (30 mins)

Set Up:

Pitch Set up as above - tapered one end

Reds playing 1-1-5-2 (1-3-5-2 no outside CB's)

Blues playing 1-4-3-1 (1-4-3-3 no wingers)

9v9 (18 Players)

3x7 min Blocks w/2min rest

Session Explained:

Play starts from Blue GK - Blues looking to play out and score in the RED goals

RED looking to win ball high up the pitch and counter attack quickly within 10 seconds to get a shot away on goal 

BLUE can also play a pass into the mini goals from behind the dotted line which indicates a pass into the wingers feet

Once past the blue line they attack the big goal

Coaching Points:
RED force ball to be played down one side of the pitch - cutting off the other side and preventing a switch

RED press with aggression and high intensity to force turnover or mistake

RED win the ball in the attacking third (above dotted line) and counter attack quickly with numbers

Blue Problems:

• Blues play back through GK to switch out the other side after first initial pass
• Blues FB drives inside with ball creating options for Long Switch to opposite FB or diagonal pass to furthest CB and then to FB

• ST's both start narrower - after initial pass - nearest striker arcs run preventing pass back to GK and then puts pressure on CB inpossession - CM's touch tight - second Striker central - Wingback starts narrow but ready to press and engage the FB - opposite WBtucked in narrow on outside shoulder of opp furthest CM

• WB needs to get tighter and put pressure on opp FB - if possible look to force down the line giving up easy pass so can't always dothat) - nearest ST cuts off pass back to nearest CB, Second ST plays in between furthest opp Cb and furthest opp CM - interceptionspossible - far side WB tucked in on outside shoulder of furthest opp CM - screen across to block strikers feet - far side CM across to mark10, nearest CM marking ball side screen but ready to press if opp FB drives inside and defend 2v1

• First thought to play forwards
• ST's thoughts to receive to feet/through pass - know whats around you
• Far side WB forward runs upon transition to join in attack
• Communication important