Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Attacking Wide Areas

Free Zone Game (15 mins)

Organization: 60*40 field at North Park (cross field). Field divided into three vertical zones. Supply of balls outside each goal. Two teams of 7 players plus a goalkeeper. 

Activity: Teams play 8v8 (including GK). Adjust as needed. Each team plays 1-3-1-3. Regular game rules apply. Only condition is that the attacking team must occupy the two wide channels in order to go to goal. There is not a permanent player in the wide channels but rather players are free to roam into the channel as needed. eg. look to create overloads or create open space. Focus is on getting the wide defenders wide and into the attacking half to create overloads.

Second condition/progression: one ONE attacker is allowed in each wide channel when in possession.  

Question: How can we utilize space along the flank effectively? How can movement in and out of the wide channels help us to break down / unbalance defenders? Eg. how can forwards help to create space for defenders?

Coaching Points:

1. Dispersal in attack.

2. Mobility - off the ball movement. Where are the spaces? Cues to join the attack/move.

3. Support - proper distances and angles.

4. Look to create overloads.

5. Communication

Phase of Play (15 mins)

Organization:  Just over half field, full width. One large goal, 3 small goals just past half.  Supply of balls with a server just outside the centre circle.  

Activity:  Red attack the large goal with 1CF, 2WF (7,11), 2FB (2,3), 3 CM (6,8,10) in a 4-3-3 shape.  Blue defend the large goal with 1 GK, 2CBs, 2FBs, 2 CM (6,8), 2 Wide midfielders - aligned in a 4-4-2 shape.  Similar to the Function, play can start with a ball into the Red #6 who can play anyone from there. However, the goal is to progress to a transitional restart as quickly as possible.  

Progression:

Change the restart to a transition moment wherein Blue feign to lose possession by playing directly into Red - eg. stray pass meant for the 9.

*primary focus is developing the extended relationship with the 9, 10, and 8 (lesser extent the 6).  

Coaching Points:

1. Dispersal in attack.

2. Mobility - off the ball movement. Where are the spaces? Triggers to join the attack/move off the ball.  

3. Support - proper distances and angles.

4. Look to create overloads. Speed of play: transition is key.

5. Communication

6. Check for understanding on both sides of the field.