Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Breaking Lines (Start Time: 2024-10-27 12:35:00)

Screen 1 (20 mins)

Session Topic: Breaking the Lines

Age Group: U13
Number of Players: 8

Session Setup

• Format: 4v4 game
• Field Layout: Pitch divided into three grids/zones
• Objective: Move the ball from one side to the other through line-breaking passes, aiming to score by passing the ball through the cones in the final grid.

Instructions

• Basic Setup:

  • Players play 4v4 across the three zones with no assigned positions.
  • The objective is to progress from the defensive grid to the final grid through passing, breaking lines to create goal-scoring chances.
  • Goals are scored by passing the ball through cone goals set up in the final grid.

• Progression 1:

  • After passing, a player can step into the next grid, creating an overload.
  • This creates a 2v1 in the middle grid and 2v2 in the final grid, making it easier to progress the ball and score.

• Progression 2:

  • Players can take a bigger step forward into the next grid after passing, increasing support options and movement in attack.

• Challenges:

  • Challenge 1: Try to score within 15 seconds of reaching the final third.
  • Challenge 2: Aim to break the lines with fewer than 5 passes to encourage quick, purposeful play.

Coaching Points

• Awareness: Encourage players to scan the field for options and make quick decisions to break lines.
• Body Position: Use an open body position to receive and play forward quickly.
• Overloads: Emphasise creating and using overloads in each grid, particularly when stepping forward after passing.
• Timing of Runs: Help players recognise when to step into the next grid to maintain spacing and support.

This session encourages quick thinking, effective line-breaking passes, and creating numerical advantages to reach goal-scoring areas effectively.