Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Defending in the middle 3rd (centrally)

Arrival (10 mins)

Rondo

2 teams in possession vs 1 team defending

Lose possession = whole team swap to defend

Get split = stay in

10 passes in a row = stay in

Game Training (25 mins)

Key Principles

1) Deny space and time

2) Prevent goal scoring opportunities

3) Win the ball

How to Play

Starting point is with Red #3 & #4 who always start with a switch, they will play back and forth until they have an opportunity to play in to one of their midfielders.

TEAM TASK

BLUE - combine to score but must attack through the front of the box.

RED - look to win possession and play to Red #3 or #4 as quickly as possible.

When attacking/defending, 2 midfielders can go and one must stay - applies to both teams.

PLAYER TASKS

GK #1

- Organise defenders to limit goal-scoring opportunities

- Sweeper keeper – anticipate balls over or through the defence

- Deal with crosses and passes into the box

- Catch and parry shots from a wide range of angles, distances and paces

Full Backs #2/#5

- Narrow off when the ball is central – no balls between CB and FB

- Pressure wide player on the ball side

- Tuck in when ball on the opposite side

- Force play away from goal

CB #3/#4

- Superior positioning to threaten the ball receiver and limit balls in behind

- If other CB marking, get close in covering position

- Support and cover the back line and midfield

CM #6/#8

- Superior positioning to threaten the ball receiver and limit balls into strikers

- Support and cover the back line and advanced midfielder

- Track midfield runners behind the defensive line

ACM #10

- Superior positioning to limit space for the opponent’s central defenders and supporting midfield players

- Support the midfield as the opponent progresses the ball

- Pressure deep lying CM to prevent him playing forward or switching play

PROGRESSION

Have Red #10 recovering from corner of box when ball gets played in from #3/4