Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): AP2 - Protect Space Behind

Group Game: Across the River (10 mins)

Game Objective: Disrupt the pass in the endzone

Topic: Protect the Space Behind the Backline

Phase: Collectively Defend

Problem: There is space behind the backline.

Who: 4,5, 2, 3 primarily; 6, 8, 10 secondarily

Where: Middle to Back Third

When: the opponents play ball behind the line

What: Anticipate; Eyes on ball; Drop as my man moves toward goal

Why: Prevent playing into space

Layout: 40 x 50; two goals

Restrictions: 4v4v4; Two touch; 3:8:1

Scoring: One point for each pass disruption in endzone.

Game: Play to opposite endzone; when pass is disrupted in the endzone, the attacking receiving team moves to the middle; the recovering team must connect out before playing forward.

Coaching Points: (1) ANTICIPATE pass and DROP in space. (2) COVER position (3) EYES toward pass (4) KEEP pace with opponent.

Final Game (30 mins)

Game Objective: Disrupt the pass into the endzone

Topic: Protect the Space Behind the Backline

Phase: Collectively Defend

Problem: There is space behind the backline.

Who: 4,5, 2, 3 primarily; 6, 8, 10 secondarily

Where: Middle to Back Third

When: the opponents play ball behind the line

What: Anticipate; Eyes on ball; Drop as my man moves toward goal

Why: Prevent playing into space

Layout: 30 x 40; two goals

Restrictions: 6v6; 12:1; the CB's must be in the middle 6 yards zone for their team to score. This provides for the opposing team to break the back line when they recover the ball.

Game: Regular game; FIFA rules

Coaching Points: For individuals: (1) Timing of run - Anticipation - move into empty zone as ball is being played through the gap or over the top. (2) Move away from defender just before the ball is played. (3) Open body when receiving the ball. Angled run. (4) Accelerate quickly. For team: (1) play quickly to open gaps (2) players without ball must scan field and decide where and when they would play the ball when they receive it.