Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Defending at the Point of Transition

Positional defensive exercise (20 mins)

Transition Exercise 20 min (in picture, Blue is defending)

Exercise is focused on anticipation, positioning and execution at moments of defensive transition - individually, by unit and the whole team. Experience the importance of pressure, cover, balance and compactness.

Exercise: Positional Possession/Transition Game - 7v7 +3 (neutral CMs) plus 2 endline Targets.

Objectives: Improve game situational awareness, anticipation, response and tactics by individuals and the team to both preventing and controlling the defensive transition.

Related Objectives: Improve team's decision-making, movement and execution of possession play

Space: 55y L x 45y W

Scoring:

1 point for 7 consecutive passes and also for connecting pass with your target and getting the ball back to retain possession.

Each team plays one direction to score. They can use the other target for support in the buildup.

Coaching Points:

Immediate pressure on the ball. If you can win it, do it. Look to connect quickly with the free man (or target) who sees the whole field.

Force opposing player with the ball backward, into our team's numbers or into the line.

Don't quit pressing unless our midfield's been broken, then keep pressuring, recovering and get numbers behind the ball.

Ideally, win the ball within 4 passes.

Find a free/open teammate quickly after winning the ball.

Attacking shape must take into account the inevitable loss of possession: e.g., keep overload +1 with our centerbacks, weakside fullback pinch in as a double 6, weakside winger ready to pinch in immediately