Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Tactical Development - Defending the Line (10)

9v9 (Defending The Line) (20 mins)

Primary Focus

Improve our teams ability to defend vs the oppositions number 10 between the lines.

Organization

2 Goals

8 Bibs

Balls

Area Size (Will depend on the age of the players + skill level + number of players available)

Full Width + 10 Yards Over The Halfway Line

Player No's

18 Players (16 Field Players + 2 Gk's)

Timings 

Sets of 4 Minutes + 2 Minutes off (All depends on which part of the season we are in and what day in relation to the next game)

Explanation:

Ball will start with the blue team in possession, they are looking to score on the red team. If the ball is won by the red team they are able to counter attack to the central big goal. If the ball goes out for a throw in- ball will be played from a throw in to resemble a real match. If ball goes out for a corner, the team that was in possession will start from their GK.

Challenges:

Red Team is looking to stop all central passes to not allow the team get involved.

This could be done by either:

 The 6 following the 10 and man marking

 If the 10 is playing closer to the central defenders the "6" could screen the passing lane while the CB must follow the 10 if he checks(If this takes place, the other CB + OB's need to be ready to provide cover of the long ball behind the line.)

Conditions:

Full Width + 10 Yards Over The Halfway Line. 

Targets:

Not allow central passing to the 10/9 - Red team.

Looking to create chances from central combinations- Blue Team

Key Points

Communication to block passing lanes

Forcing one way and shifting