Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending the switch of play (Start Time: 2024-09-02 16:30:00)
FAW Coach Ed
Jun Chan
Profile Summary
| Name: | Jun Chan |
|---|---|
| City: | Pontypridd |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Membership: | Adult Member |
| Sport: | Football/Soccer |
Description
Topic: Defending the Switch of Play
Session Overview
Total Duration: 60 minutes (3 x 20-minute segments)
Focus: Out of possession team (4-4-2, with four players withdrawn) learning how to stop a switch of play by the in possession team (4-3-3, with four players withdrawn).
Pitch Area: Half pitch.
Players: 14 total (7 out of possession including GK; 7 in possession).
Out of Possession Team (Defending):
Formation: 4-4-2 (withdrawn: LST, RST, LM, RM)
Remaining players: GK, LB, LCB, RCB, RB, LCM, RCM
In Possession Team (Attacking):
Formation: 4-3-3 (withdrawn: GK, LCB, RCB, DM/CDM)
Remaining players: LB, RB, LM, RM, LW, RW, ST
Playing Conditions:
One full-size goal (defended by the out of possession team’s GK).
Two mini goals placed on the halfway line (for the out of possession team to attack when they regain possession).
Restarts always begin with the in possession team at the center circle.
The in possession team attempts to score in the big goal; the out of possession team tries to prevent the switch of play and score in the mini goals on regaining the ball.
Learning Objectives (Outcomes)
Specific Practice Outcome:
The defending team will understand when to apply pressure to force the play wide and keep it predictable, preventing successful switches of play from central or wide areas.
Small-Sided Game Outcome:
The defending team will recognize how to quickly reorganize into a compact shape to block central passes and stop switches of play, transitioning effectively to counter-attack.
Specific Practice into Small-Sided Game Outcome:
The defending team will combine individual defending techniques (pressure on the ball, covering, leaving furthest players) with collective tactics (protecting space between lines and controlling the space behind) to successfully stop the switch of play under increased match-realistic conditions.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
LSG (20 mins)
Organisation
Area: Maintain the half pitch, now allowing more freedom for both teams.
Players: Same 7 vs. 7 setup plus the big goal and two mini goals.
Objective: Full directional SSG emphasizing out-of-possession principles.
Blocks & Work-to-Rest Ratios
Block 1: 8 minutes (work) + 2 minutes (rest/feedback)
Block 2: 8 minutes (work) + 2 minutes (rest/feedback)
Energy System: Combination of anaerobic (high-intensity defending) and aerobic (extended game play).
Practice Focus & Coaching Points
Out of Possession:
Remain compact and narrow to block central passes.
Identify moments to press the ball carrier to prevent the switch.
Use the sideline to trap attacking players.
Leave the furthest player if they are not an immediate threat.
Danger Scenario (Small-Sided Game)
Scenario: The in possession team’s LB or RB steps into midfield, combining quickly with LM or RM to create an overload in wide areas before attempting a switch to the ST or opposite winger.
Solution:LB, RB (Out of Possession) track the overlapping run.
LCB, RCB shift across to prevent the direct switch into the central striker.
LCM, RCM provide cover behind the full-back, scanning for the opposite wide player.
GK instructs the back line to stay connected and angles his positioning to intercept crosses or diagonal switches.
Challenges, Conditions, or Targets (Defending Team)
Challenge: Win the ball back within 8 seconds of the opposition crossing the halfway line.
Condition: If the out of possession team recovers the ball, they have 6 seconds to score in a mini goal.
Target: Encourage the defending team to remain compact, only releasing pressure if the ball is moved backward by the attackers.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
SP into LSG (20 mins)
Organization
Area: Same half pitch. Transition seamlessly from a structured specific practice into a more open small-sided scenario.
Players: 7 vs. 7 with the same formations.
Objective: Consolidate learning under near-match conditions by incorporating wide and central build-up play from the in possession team.
Blocks & Work-to-Rest Ratios
Block 1: 8 minutes (work) + 2 minutes (rest/feedback)
Block 2: 8 minutes (work) + 2 minutes (rest/feedback)
Two Potential Plays (Wide & Central) by In Possession
Wide Play:
LB or RB in possession steps forward near the touchline, combining with LW/RW.
Solution (Out of Possession):Opposite full-back tucks in, leaving the far-side winger free if not immediate threat.
CBs slide across to block passing lane for a switch.
Nearest CM presses the ball carrier to force an early cross or negative pass.
Central Play:
LM/RM receives the ball centrally, looking to slip a pass through to ST or switch to the opposite wide player.
Solution (Out of Possession):Nearest CM quickly applies pressure.
Other CM screens the passing lane into the ST.
LB, RB hold a narrow shape unless ball shifts wide.
CBs remain compact, prepared to track any runs in behind.
Challenges, Conditions, or Targets (Defending Team)
Challenge: Reduce successful switches of play by 50% compared to the first block.
Condition: Out of possession team scores double points if they regain possession and immediately counter through central midfield.
Target: Maintain a strong defensive shape for at least 10 seconds before winning the ball.
Tactical & Technical Coaching Points (Across All 3 Parts)
- Force Wide: Angle pressing runs to push attackers to the touchline and away from the danger area.
- Keep Play Predictable: Communicate “left” or “right” to guide the attacker into a specific channel.
- Pressure on the Ball: Close down quickly, use short, sharp steps. Body shape side-on, ready to tackle or cover.
- Leave Furthest Players: Prioritize immediate threats. The far-side attacker is less dangerous if the passing lane is blocked.
- Protect Space Between Lines: Maintain vertical compactness to prevent through passes.
- Control Space Behind: CBs and GK must coordinate positioning to handle any aerial or through-ball attempts.
Coaching Interventions
Freeze: Coach stops play at the moment a switch of play might happen to reposition defenders.
Walkthrough: Players walk through their defensive movements to confirm understanding of angles and distances.
Concurrent: Coach provides live feedback during play (e.g., “LCB, shift across earlier!”).
Bullet-Point Feedback (“Bullseye”): At rest breaks, coach highlights key successes or improvements needed, using short, direct bullet points.
Physical Corner
Energy System: Primarily anaerobic (short sprints, quick changes of direction) interspersed with aerobic recovery.
Work-to-Rest Ratios: Approx. 8 minutes on task, 2 minutes rest. This allows for high-intensity bursts, followed by short recovery intervals to maintain performance levels.
Social Corner
Team Meetings: Short huddle after each block to discuss communication and roles.
Captains: Appoint a defensive captain to lead organization and a midfield captain to oversee pressing triggers.
Problem-Solving Tasks: Challenge players to come up with their own solutions to block switches of play and present them to the group.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
SP into LSG
Psychological Corner
Encourage confidence and resilience by praising successful defensive shape.
Foster concentration on roles and responsibilities, especially during transitions.
Develop decision-making under pressure by reinforcing quick scanning and adaptation to in possession players’ movements.
Conditions, Targets, and Challenges Recap
Scoreboard: Track the number of successful switches by the attacking team vs. the number of times the defending team wins possession and quickly counters.
Progression: Reduce defenders’ rest time or allow the attacking team an extra player in wide areas to increase difficulty.
Regression: Add a neutral floater to help the defending team, or reduce the pitch width to limit the possibility of switching play.
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Specific practices (20 mins)
Organisation
Area: Half pitch
Players:Out of possession (7 including GK): GK, LB, LCB, RCB, RB, LCM, RCM
In possession (7): LB, RB, LM, RM, LW, RW, ST
Set-Up:Big goal positioned on the defending team’s end.
Two mini goals on the halfway line for out of possession to attack.
Play starts from the centre circle with the attacking team.
Blocks & Work-to-Rest Ratios
Block 1: 8 minutes (work) + 2 minutes (rest/feedback)
Block 2: 8 minutes (work) + 2 minutes (rest/feedback)
Energy System: Predominantly anaerobic with short bursts of high intensity, followed by brief rests (2 minutes) for recovery.
Practice Focus & Coaching Points
Principles:
Force wide
Keep play predictable
Pressure on the ball
Leave the furthest players
Coaching Details:
LB, RB (Out of Possession): Show wide and push attackers to the sideline. Deny easy passes inside.
LCB, RCB (Out of Possession): Stay compact and protect central areas. Block passing lanes to opposite side.
LCM, RCM (Out of Possession): Track runners through midfield, apply immediate pressure when the ball enters their zone. If ball travels to one side, shift quickly to cover.
GK (Out of Possession): Communicate with defenders, organize the shape, and be ready to sweep behind if switch is made.
Challenges, Conditions, or Targets (Defending Team)
Challenge: Stop the ball from being switched from one flank to the other within three passes.
Condition: If the defending team wins possession, they must try to score in the mini goals within 6 seconds.
Target: Force the attacking team to play at least one negative pass before switching play.
Danger Scenario (Specific Practice)
Scenario: The in possession LM or RM receives the ball in the half-space, looking to switch the ball directly to the opposite wing (LW or RW) making a diagonal run behind the defenders.
Solution:LB or RB (Out of Possession) must immediately press the ball as it travels.
LCB, RCB move closer together, adjusting body shape to see both ball and runner.
LCM or RCM drops diagonally to block the passing channel.
GK stays alert to cover the space behind if the pass goes over the top.