Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): General Session 1 - Breaking Lines

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Key Factors

• Break the opponents defensive lines by playing through, around or over their units.
• Learn which method would be best depending on the defensive units positioning.

Organisation

• Mark out a playing area of 30m X 20m - Split into thirds.
• 3 teams of 5 players set out as shown to start. 
• 'Black Team' are attempting to prevent the whites and blues from breaking lines and retaining possession.
• When whites break the opponents lines to get the ball to the other side of the pitch, all 5 blues must be in the same zone where the ball was received. Whites can then split themselves between the two remaining zones.

Aims

• White team must transfer the ball to the blue team in the opposite are of the pitch, whether through, around or over. 
• Black team are defending and must not allow the attacking team to break their lines and receive the ball on the opposite side of the pitch.
• Only two defenders are allowed to enter the area where the ball is to try and win it back.

Coaching

• Coach the two attacking teams to try and break the defending units lines as fast as possible using the three methods available.
• When in possession can we be positive in breaking lines, with a correct weight of pass.
• Receiving the ball on the turn to exploit opportunities, with correct body position.
• Can you stretch the pitch to be as wide and deep as possible

Management

• Defensive team work as a unit to prevent forward passes
• Force players around
• Prevent getting split
• Communicate

• A Split Pass, breaking the lines earns 3 points
• A Pass around the unit earns you 1 point.
• A Pass over the unit earns 1 point if used effectively.
• Increase defenders allowed into the area
• 2/3 Touch