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Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): DEFENDING

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Dandenong City FC

Elyas Baeini

Profile Summary

Elyas Baeini
Name: Elyas Baeini
City: Blackburn North
Country: Australia
Membership: Adult Member
Sport: Football/Soccer
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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Screen 1

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Screen 1

Basic warm up set up by the coach 

Equipment - 10 cones 

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Screen 2

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Screen 2

Objective:
The game begins with the attacking team in possession. Their primary objective is to score in the large goal. A regular goal scored in open play counts as 1 point.

However, if the attacking team successfully plays a penetrating pass through the defensive back four, followed by a cut-back and finish, the goal is worth 5 points. This rewards well-timed movement, precise passing, and combination play in dangerous areas.

If the defending team regains possession, they transition quickly and attempt to score in the mini goals, encouraging fast counter-attacks and smart decision-making under pressure.

Coaching Points – Defending Team

  • Stay Compact:
    Maintain tight spacing between the lines and within the back four. Limit gaps between defenders to deny the attacking team space to penetrate.

  • Prevent Penetration:
    Focus on cutting out passing lanes and reading the play early to intercept through balls. The priority is to avoid getting split by a central pass that leads to the high-value 5-point opportunity.

  • Maintain Shape and Discipline:
    Stay organized and connected across the defensive unit. If one defender steps, the others must adjust accordingly to maintain balance and coverage.

  • Communication:
    Constant communication between defenders and midfielders is essential to ensure awareness of runners, shifting pressure, and passing off marks.

  • Transition Quickly:
    Upon winning the ball, make quick and intelligent decisions. Look to exploit space and score in the mini goals with precision and purpose.

  • Pressure on the Ball:
    Apply immediate and coordinated pressure to the ball carrier to reduce their time and options, especially in dangerous central areas.

  • Defensive Midfield Support:
    Ensure the defensive midfielders are screening passes into the front line and supporting the back four effectively.

This game format is ideal for emphasizing defensive organization, discipline under pressure, and effective counter-attacking play.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Animation 3

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Small-Sided Game – Pressing Focus

Practice Objective:
This small-sided game is designed to develop our pressing structure and intensity, with a focus on pressing from the front, dictating the direction of play, and creating compactness as a unit.

Key Pressing Principle:
We aim to press the center-backs on an angle, forcing the ball to one side of the pitch. The pressing player must curve their run to cut off one option and guide play into a predetermined area (typically wide), where we can set pressing traps.

As the ball is forced wide, all players must shuffle across quickly and stay compact, ensuring minimal space between units. The objective is to isolate the opponent on the flank, limit their forward options, and create opportunities to regain possession.

In Possession (Upon Winning the Ball):
The moment we win the ball, we look to penetrate quickly and purposefully, exploiting the disorganized moments of the opposition's transition. Use direct forward passes or third-man runs to break lines and attack with speed.

Coaching Points – Pressing Team

  • Press on an Angle:
    The first presser must angle their run to cut off the switch and force the ball wide, setting the pressing trigger.

  • Collective Movement:
    As the ball is forced into the wide area, all players must shift together, remaining compact vertically and horizontally to deny passing options.

  • Trigger Recognition:
    Press as a unit when the ball is played into a fullback or under-hit pass is played. Be ready to pounce on mistakes or loose touches.

  • Body Orientation:
    Players must close down with the correct body shape to show the opponent outside and prevent central progression.

  • Communication and Coordination:
    Constant communication is vital to maintain team shape and coordinate pressing actions across the front line and midfield.

  • Immediate Transition:
    Upon regaining possession, look to play forward quickly, targeting spaces left by the opponent and seeking to exploit overloads.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Animation 4

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Animation 4
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