Football/Soccer Session (Advanced): AT - Support the Attack

Analytical: Counter using Target Striker (35 mins)

Set-Up: 

Each team will have one designated striker (centre-forward) in the opposing team’s half and two centre backs + a goalkeeper in their own half. The remaining players will be in the middle of the field in a fairly congested area. The team is set up in thirds, with two of the three thirds being occupied by a striker up against two centre backs and a goalkeeper. Depending on numbers this can be adjusted to a 1v1 rather than a 2v1 or smaller goals without a goalkeeper. The middle third will have a 4v4, which can be adjusted to a 3v3 or 3v3 + a neutral depending on numbers. The middle third should be about five steps either side of a halfway line. Blue is attacking from right to left, with yellow attacking from left to right.

Instructions:

In order to encourage quick attacking transitions, the ball will start in the central area. The striker and centre backs are locked into their area at all times. The players in the middle third are locked into their area until a transition occurs via the ball being played quickly into either striker. The player who passed it plus one other player can join the striker into their attacking third. These players should look to quickly combine with their 3v2 advantage and score a goal. If the defending team (the two centre-backs and goalkeeper) regain possession, they will look to transfer the ball to their team in the middle third.

When possible, the striker/target player should look to hold up the play and wait for their teammates to join, especially when the 2v1 numerical disadvantage is about to become a 3v2 numerical advantage. The movement off the ball of the attacking players will be key in allowing the target player to only have to hold up play for a short amount of time. Their first touch should always be away from the defenders, into space and toward where they want to play, for example – toward a right winger that is making a quick movement into the box.

Progression:

1. Players can rotate in their roles. Perhaps the striker may drop into the middle third and allow a run into the attacking third by a player in the middle area. work on third man runs to exploit space behind the defence.

2. Players can dribble into the final third.

3. One defender can track back and make it a 3v3 in the final third.

Coaching Points:

• Players should be looking to play forwards with a pass or dribble as soon as possible. Key coaching phrases to encourage this could include: “Take the space!” (dribble), “Play it quick!” (pass), “Away from pressure!” (dribble), “Use your speed!” (dribble), “Get your head up!” (pass) or “Look long!” (pass).
• Vertical passes and movements can often be best in eliminating defenders from the play and attacking with conviction.
• Body shape should be towards the net as much as possible. First touch should be into space, away from pressure and if possible, forwards.
• Out of possession, the attacking quartet should be looking to anticipate potential opportunities for counter attacks and be looking to create space away from their markers.