Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending with a Midfield 3 against a midfield 4 diamond

MDG (15 mins)

Organisation

Area is 50x44, relavent pitch georgaphy as the area being used is in the middle of the pitch where the Cm 's would spend most of the game.

Blue players are trying to move the ball from one end player across to the other (Black players). If successful they continue to move the ball back to the first end player and contune on.

The Black players represent the player on the ball being a central defender and the

Black player they are trying to hit would be a Stricker.

Red team are trying to win the ball and pass to either Black as quickly as possible.

Progression

Blue players must split Red players before moving from one end player to another.

Go through different positions to be in, in relation to the ball and what player has the ball. Give reference points to the balls, opposing players and pitch geography. This allows Central midfielders to work on forcing opponents wide and not being centrally penetrated.

Key Factors

Speed of press

Timing of press

Distnace/angle away from player in possession

Distance/angle away from team mates/opponents

Being compact centrally

Maintaining shape whilst all moving

Limiting options for the player on the ball