Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Play Forward through Central Channel

(2) Play Forward through Central Channel (25 mins)

Objective: Practice building up play and attacking from the center (you can adapt this to different formations).

Description
Using 2/3 on a full pitch, we mark out 1 central area, 2 side areas, 2blue mannequins and 3 mini goals as shown. We have 7 white players (+GK) who all start on the white cones and 2 blue wingers who start on the blue cones.
The practice starts as soon as the goalkeeper receives the long pass from the coach. We are practicing Marcelo Bielsa's tactics, so at this point the white players adjust from their 4-2-3-1 positions to form a 1-3-3 (from the 3-3-
3-1 described in the analysis within this chapter).
The central midfielder (6) drops back, receives from the goalkeeper and moves forward. The white midfielders who can be potential receivers (7 &10) move inside the central area. No.6 has to read the reaction of the blue winger/s and make the best decision.

Scenario 2: This second diagram shows the decision making when the blue winger (11) moves inside the central area to create a compact midfield.

Instead of attempting a through pass, No.6 plays an accurate aerial pass for the forward run of the wing back (No.2 in diagram). The wing back then receives and passes into the small goal.

Player Actions: The long pass to the wing back must be directed and received within the yellow side area.

Coaching Points
1. Players need to quickly read the tactical situation and demonstrate the correct decision making.
2.There needs to be synchronised movements, good ball reception, turning and combination play within limited space and accurate passing.

Player actions: The midfielders must receive, turn and pass within the central area.