PoP (25 mins)

Playing area: Z1/Z2 half pitch length and full width + endzone

Player numbers: 8 outfield players + GK (Red) vs 8 outfield players + server (blue) Focus of the session is to look to defend the middle of the field and defend crosses.

Red - 3 - 5 Shape

Blue - 2 (FB's) - 3 - 3

Rules &/or conditions:

Regular game play rules are in effect during play. The phase starts with the ball being played in from the serving player into a MF player. Blues are looking to find a way to score as per regular game rules. Reds are looking to defend the goal in a 3-5 formation with a line of confrontation just below centre circle in Z2. This is re-creatinng the front line being broken into MF

If the ball goes wide in Z1, we create a 3-1 shape and protect the goal

Coaching Points:

1) Defensive shape and organization - mainly in a 4 - 5 - 1 shape

2) Line of engagement just below the top of the circle

3) Maintain compact between lines front to back and left to right, force play outside

4) Maintaining two holding MF at all times to protect the back 4 - if MF goes then balance from WMF's

5) Once ball is regained, look to switch early through MF's

6) CM's screening the back 4 and blocking passing lanes in the block

7) Winning individual battles and using discipline

8) Doubling back from WMF's and CM's

9) Forcing outside

Positional/Moment Specific Scenarios:

GK - Communication and conrolling tempo of the game

CBs - Holding a low line - 5 -10 yards outside the box. Press and cover on the ST with MF back pressing. Organizing the MF 2. Defending the penalty area when the ball goes wide.

FB's - Keeping players outside. Supporting CB's. Blocking crosses

CM's - Screening CB's. Doubling back on ST or WMF. Creating a triangle with FB and WMF when ball wide

WMF's - Keeping players outside. Doubling back to help FB's. Tucking in narrow when ball on opposite side. Joining attack when possible

ST - dropping behind half way line. Screening the 6 while pressing the CB. Doubling back once ball has gone beyond. Making positive runs or holding the ball up in AT

11v11 (35 mins)

Playing area:

Full Pitch

Player numbers:

11 v 10 - Playing a man down

Rules &/or conditions:

Regular 11 v 11 game play with restarts from throw-ins or free kicks. Possible restarts from coach

Coaching Points:

1) Defensive shape and organization - mainly in a 4 - 4 - 1 shape

2) Line of engagement 5 yards inside the half way line - #9 to drop on opposition HMF

3) Maintain compact between lines front to back and left to right

4) Maintaining two holding MF at all times to protect the back 4 - if MF goes then balance from WMF's

5) Use of time effectively to manage the clock

6) CM's screening the back 4 and blocking passing lanes in the block

7) Winning individual battles and using discipline

8) Doubling back from WMF's and CM's

Progressions:

Use of different game scenarios

1) Red team up a goal with 10 minutes to play - need to close out the game - no risk mentality

2) 0-0 score with 10 minutes to play - conservative with minimal players forward

3) Red down a goal with 30 minutes to play - conservative but willing to send some numbers forward

Positional/Moment Specific Scenarios:

GK - Communication and conrolling tempo of the game

CBs - Holding a low line - 5 -10 yards outside the box. Press and cover on the ST with MF back pressing. Organizing the MF 2. Defending the penalty area when the ball goes wide.

FB's - Keeping players outside. Supporting CB's. Blocking crosses

CM's - Screening CB's. Doubling back on ST or WMF. Creating a triangle with FB and WMF when ball wide

WMF's - Keeping players outside. Doubling back to help FB's. Tucking in narrow when ball on opposite side. Joining attack when possible

ST - dropping behind half way line. Screening the 6 while pressing the CB. Doubling back once ball has gone beyond. Making positive runs or holding the ball up in AT

Attacking Transition

Use the wide areas and look to exploit quick switches. Attack with ST - Strong side MF and WMF