Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Specific 1 (SSG)- switching play- attacking

Pitch Set-Up

Specific-SSG Play In Possession

Welsh Way Principle: Switching play to the opposite side depending on the shape/decisions of the opposition.

Organisation:

- Full width of the pitch (approximately 60 yards) x 65 yards long

- Wide channels 10 yards wide x 65 yards long

- Three mini goals positioned as shown (two in the wide channels and one central)

- Additional goal placed on the opposite 18 yard box in preparation for the SSG

- Blue goalkeeper (GK), blue central defender (4) and red striker (9) are the players to be added when transitioning into the SSG.

- For the SSG the mini goals will be removed along with the wide channels

SSG (15 mins)

Small Sided Game (SSG) - 15 mins - 18 players

Organisation

- Full width of the pitch (aproximately 60 yards) x 80 yards long

- Wide channels and mini goals will be removed

- Additional goal placed on the edge of the opposite 18 yard line

- Diagonal pitch lines due to lack of full-backs (greens) and wingers (reds)

- Green goalkeeper (GK), green central defender (5) and red striker (9) added to the session

9v9

Red 11v11 formation: 3-5-2 in possession / 5-3-2 out of possession

Green 11v11 formation: 3-4-3

Instructions

Normal game rules apply but without corners. Play will resume as an opposition goal kick. If a team gets three 'corners' they will be awarded a goal. Aim for both teams is to score in the main goals against their opposition. Reds can score normally or will be awarded three goals instead of one if they manage to score following a successful switch of play (to encourage the topic).

Working with the reds in possession they will look to replicate the way they played within the specific drill. The wide fullbacks are not locked into channels but they will still be encouraged to stay wide to provide an outlet for their teammates. Reds will be encouraged to be patient on the ball and switch play quickly to utilise space left by the opposition. Due to the lack of defenders for the greens and wingers for the reds the pitch is more narrow at the green goal so it will be difficult for them to find space.

Greens will be encouraged to replicate the way they played in the specific drill. Staying compact and forcing the reds to play wide. Leaving the furthest player to protect the central areas.

The reds will look to switch play using single or multiple passes. The midfield pair will look to rotate to create space/options for the wide players in possession. The striker will be utilised as a midfielder will now be able to make a forward run beyond the striker and the striker could drop deep to get onto the ball.

The reds will also be able to switch by using their defenders/goalkeeper. The player in posssession will require support by the defenders. The wider defenders can step in to create a problem and create space for the central defender to be used to switch the play. As the channels have been removed the wider defenders can start wider to create more width and more options for the switch of play.

Interventions

Concurrent

Terminal

Coaching Process / Walk Throughs

Coaching Points

Reds in Possession

- Realism - When playing the reds need to be realisitic in their starting positions. High up the pitch when the opposition GK has the ball and full backs wide when in possession.

- Movement when playing from the back. Replicating the movements made in the drill but also using the lack of channels to their advantage. Wide to create space and variations in play depending on how the greens press.

- Speed of play - knowing when to be patient and when to be direct and utilise the switch of play to find space.

- Encouraged to try and switch the play but maintain the realism. E.g. if the reds are through on goal they should try and score not switch the play.

Greens Out of Possession (Managing the Opposition)

- Encouraged to maintain realism in regards to pitch geography.

- Protecting central areas.

- High press to put the red defenders under pressure.

- When greens regain possession they will be encouraged to play into the strikers feet as soon as possible.

- Possibility of a time restriction on when to shoot.

Progressions / Regressions

- If the reds are having too much success then they will be required to switch the play before being allowed to score (possible introduction of the channels to aid this).

- Following this a time limi