Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Switching Play Utilizing Midfield 3

Technical/Warm Up (15 mins)

Set Up: 

Use an area 20*20. Place 6 players on the outside of the area and 2 players in the middle with a ball. Players in the middle play to anyone on the outside then move to receive the opposite ball. 

Players stay in the middle for 45 seconds then switch to bring in two new players.  

Progression: 2 players in the middle but now with just one ball. The players in the middle must combine quickly before playing the ball to someone on the outside. The same player that plays the ball to the outside must receive the pass that comes back inside the area. 

Coaching Points:

• Receive ball across body to see more of the field 
• Check to receive ball at good angles, avoid flat passes 
• When combining in the middle support player should always try to get into line of vision of teammate receiving the ball so that combination can happen quickly 
• Clean technique, sharp passes

5v5+5 (20 mins)

Set Up:

• This themed possession practice focuses on switching play away from pressure.
• The pitch has wide channels marked out on either side. There are also two mini-goals at either end, set back from the playing area.
• Players are split into two teams of five, plus five neutral (black in diagram), who play for the team in possession.
• Two of the neutral players are fixed in the wide channels, with the other three operating as a midfield three in the central part of the pitch.
• The team in possession, with the neutral players, can be encouraged to work roughly in a 3-5-2 shape (preference based on team system/game model)
• Both teams should attempt to accumulate 10 consecutive passes, or switch play from one neutral player in a wide area to the other, in order to score a goal.

PROGRESSION

• The practice progresses by having one designated in-possession team and one pressing team.
• The in-possession team will have the same goalscoring conditions as when the practice started.
• The pressing team will be looking to win possession and score in any of the four mini-goals.
• After each working block, the teams switch roles.

• TIMING TO RECEIVE
  • As play progresses, the players in the central area must time their movements to receive the ball as they arrive into space.
  • Making quick, sharp movements as the passer takes their first touch will make it more difficult to defend and help create space.
• SUPPORTING AWAY FROM THE BALL
  • The player furthest away from the ball is encouraged to stay away from possession and find space in pockets, to offer passing angles.
  • This will create the chance to switch play with a limited amount of passes if this player is found.
• SHORT SUPPORT TO CREATE SPACE
  • When possession is won, the players closest to the ball should initially look to play short passes.
  • This will give time for the other players to open the pitch, to offer alternative passing angles that may create a switching chance.
• DRAWING IN PRESSUR - Combining quickly in small spaces will draw defenders in and create space to switch, using one or two passes.
• BALL SPEED - The coach should place a big emphasis on ball speed. The players must pass with the appropriate ball speed in order to keep the ball away from the opposition. Passes should be punched in.