Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending in the Attacking Third - 13 August 19

Warm Up (Extension) (20 mins)

Organisation

Set up as shown, with the mannequins approx 20 yards from the end lines.

Play starts at opposite points on the outside (2 balls in play).

How to Play

Centre player moves off the mannequin to receive the first pass from the outside.

Outside player makes a forward run to receive the ball back and plays out to the opposite end.

The centre player spins out after laying the ball off and runs to the outside.

Progressions

- When the ball is passed to the opposite end, it is laid back to the player who was in the middle to play a diagonal ball to the other line.

- Use 1 ball, outside players play into the middle and make overlapping runs, the 2 central players combine and lay off to the overlapping runners to play out. (They then take over the central positions and play continues from the opposite end).

Defending from the front (30 mins)

Organisation

Set up as shown. Numbers dicated size of area (could use full width).

White team has 3 defenders and a MF player, Blue team has 2 forwards and 2 MF players.

How to Play

Play starts with coach serving a ball into the box from a wide position.

Strikers attack the cross if it's on to do so.

GK should take the cross and try to distribute to one of the 3 defenders (conditioned start).

Blue forwards should attempt to slow down/prevent the White team from playing forward.

If the Blues can regain the ball they counter at the goal. White team try to score on the opposite goal.

Possible Coaching Points

Attitude to transition (attack to defence).

Shape of run (make play predictable).

Secondary defenders (angles and distances of support).

Cues and triggers to press.

Condense the space.