Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Protect central areas (Start Time: 2021-02-10 19:00:00)

Warm Up/Transitional Game (20 mins)

Organisation

Playing area approx 30 x 20.

8 v 4 - 6 Reds around the outside plus 2 in the middle.

3 x 4 Minute Blocks

How to Play

The Red team try to keep possession, using the 2 players in the middle.

The Grey team defend as a Unit and try to win the ball.

When the Grey team win the ball they try to keep possession against the 2 Reds, if they don't win the ball within 20 seconds, 2 of the outside Reds switch in & the middle Reds switch out.

Possible Coaching Points

Anticipate turnovers & switch from attacking to defending & vice versa.

Try to win the ball back as quickly as possible.

One defender drop deeper than the other 3 to help organise & provide balance.

3 x 4 Minute Blocks

Specific/Front Press (15 mins)

Organisation:

- Narrow the pitch 5 yards in from the touchline on both sides. Use 3/4 of a pitch with 2 big goals, pitch split into two playing a back four v front 4 with them looking to play into one of the CMs who are locked in between manniquins. Front 4 looking to cut off passing lanes and press ball player.

- Bibs laid out in positions in readiness.

- Block 2 (Cms can drop in to area to recieve)

Time: 2x4mins/2mins

Objective:

To work on a protecting central areas and how to enage the press from the front. Reds look to play into CM yellows - if they do the Cms play pass into oppostie Gk and the same principle happens the other side.

Key Factors:

Where should the reds press in order to win the ball back effectively in the final/Mid third?

Defensive key points:

- Pressure on the ball: When; where; how; who?

- Communication

- Angles and distances of support

- Compact and narrow shape

- Decision making

- Tracking runners