Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Small sided game - Breaking lines
FAW Coach Ed
Reece Dettlaff
Description
Organisation (Practice Layout & Transition)
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.
Block 2: Out of Possession (10 Minutes)
Primary Focus:
Denying central space and forcing play wide.
Key Coaching Points:
Stay compact between midfield and defensive lines.
Apply pressure with correct angle and distance.
Prevent passes through the central third.
Conditions:
Defenders earn a point for intercepting a line-breaking pass.
Must stay within designated zone unless pressing triggers are activated.
Challenges:
Can you delay and block forward passes?
Can you shift as a unit and close central lanes?
Targets:
Intercept 4 line-breaking passes.
Transitions (Integrated in Both Blocks)
On regaining possession: Play forward within 5 seconds.
On losing possession: Reorganize into a compact shape within 3 seconds.
Progressions
Allow the attacking team to play over the top if they can’t play through.
Add a second neutral player to create a midfield overload.
Introduce target zones behind defensive lines to encourage penetrative runs.
Regressions
Increase the playing area for more space.
Reduce the number of defenders.
Allow unlimited touches to aid less experienced players.
Embedded Welsh Way Principles
Play Through, Around, Over: Promotes decision-making and tactical flexibility.
Compactness: Teaches defenders to operate cohesively as a unit.
Speed of Play: Encourages fast ball movement and transitions.
Positional Play: Reinforces width and depth in all phases
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Session Objectives
Enhance players’ understanding of breaking lines in possession.
Improve team compactness and ability to block line-breaking passes when out of possession.
Foster quick, intelligent transitions and off-the-ball movement in all phases.
Organisation
Area: 40m x 30m, divided into three horizontal thirds.
Players: 12–14 (6v6 or 7v7, use floaters as needed).
Equipment: Cones, bibs, 2 mini or full-size goals, footballs.
Practice Structure
Central third is the primary line-breaking zone.
Teams: Team A vs Team B.
Roles: Each team has 3 defenders, 3 midfielders (adapt to numbers).
Optional: One neutral player in the central third to support the team in possession.
Attacking aim: Move the ball through the thirds to score.
Defensive aim: Stay compact, intercept, and counter quickly.
Block 1: In Possession (10 Minutes)
Primary Focus:
Breaking lines through passing, movement, and positional awareness.
Key Coaching Points:
Identify opportunities to play through, around, or over the opposition.
Receive on the half-turn; scan before receiving.
Move off the ball to disrupt defensive structure.
Use disguise and timing in passing.
Create and maintain triangles or diamonds for support.
Conditions:
Minimum 3 passes before attempting a line-breaking ball.
Must progress through the central third to create a goal-scoring chance.
Challenges:
Can you break a line after three passes?
Can you deliver a line-breaking pass within 8 seconds?
Targets:
Achieve 3 line-breaking passes in 10 minutes.