Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 7 v 4

7 v 4

What: a game to introduce possession and penetration play. The team with 7 attempts to possess the ball and scores points by circulating the ball from one touchline to the other and back with at least one pass each way going into the middle. When the team with 4 wins the ball they attempt to connect a set number of passes while the internal 3 of the team with 7 defend. Periodization focuses on the smallest number, here the three in the middle. They rotate with outside four.

This is a Stage 2 activity.

Why: both teams work on possession with the team with 7 emphasizing the time to penetrate. Secondarily, both teams are encouraged to press defensively. 

Where: Middle third of the field.

Who: The 7 can feature three lines. E.g.: the 4/5, 6, 8, 10, 7 , 11, 9. The 4 features two lines, the 6, 8, 10 and 9 or the 10 7, 11, and 9.

When: Attacking and transition phase of the game.

Periodization:  # Players-  Work Interval -Recovery-   Reps    3 -1 to 2.5 minutes- 1-2 minutes-  3 to 8

• General “Rule of Thumb,” when the Speed of Play of an activity drops, its time to recover.• The smallest number of players determines the duration of an activity.• Touch restrictions typically will result in higher speed of play.• Space will effect player actions, which will affect speed of play.