Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Playing out from the back in a 4-3-3 formation

Warm up drill #1

Possession game. Warm up #1 for the main session. 6 players, 4 attackers vs 2 defenders.

Attackers in Red can move up and down their line, but can NOT enter the square. Coaching Points:

Team in possession must aim to use entire area and maintain team shape

Attackers must play the ball away from defenders, using their numerical advantage

May restrict touches per player to one touch

Attackers must use visual cues/communication

Aim to rotate blues and reds regularly to prevent boredom/de-motivated players

Main session

Playing out from the back in a 4-3-3 formation from a goal kick against 4-4-2.

The reds are lined up in a 4-3 formation to replicate the 4-3-3 formation their team have adopted where as the blues are lined up in a 4-2 formation to replicate the 4-4-2 formation the opposition have adopted.

Objective of the game is for the Reds to play out from defence and successfully play their way into the opposition half. The objective for the blues is to stop this from happening and regain possession. Play always starts from a goal kick.

The Red arrows indicate the different movements the red players can make in order to create space. The black arrows accompanied by numbers indicate the passes in a passing sequence in which the Reds could potentially make as a direct result of their movement.

Coaching points for attackers:

1) starting positions

2) timing/ angle of movement and runs (identify space)

3) creating a numerical advantage

4) movement of players to create space

5) visual cues from players/communication

Coaching points for defenders:

1) communication

2) visually identify space to defend

3) keep shape & balance