Sesión de Fútbol (Sesiones de Academia): OA3 - Breaking Lines Option 2

Specific

Pitch geography for Specific is as follows.

Pitch area is defined by a full size pitch appropriate for the age of theplayers. The specific area runs from the edge of the penalty area at eachend. Using the width of the penaltyarea, there are cones limiting the space. At each end are two sets of flat markers layed out in a diagonal thatmeet in the centre of the goals thus creating two tapered zones at each end.

Two full size goals are required, one at each end.

The red team are for the purposes of this practice the ‘defending team’ andwill be managed only. The blue team arethe attacking team and will be coached as individuals, units and a team.

Players

- Red defending team is GK, 2 x CB, 2 x holding MF, 1 X CAM and 1x CF. They are set up in a 4-2-3-1. They willoperate with a midfield triangle. Theywill have 7 players for the whole practice. From the defending team we have removed the RB, LB, RW & LW.

- Blue attacking team is a GK, 2 x CB, 1 x CDM, 1 x RM, 1 x LM, 1 x CAM and1 x CF. They are set up as a 4-1-3-2. The midfield is set up to operate as adiamond. They will have 8 players forthe Specific session and 9 for the SSG as we introduce another CF. From the attacking team we have removed the LWB,RWB.

The restriction on width of the pitch and the removal of the wide players isdesigned to increase repetition and the focus on trying to break lines throughand around. The player numbers have been designed to allow the Blue team a numericaladvantage and promote better chances of success – giving the defensive team anincreased challenge.

Targets/Conditions/Challenges

Balls are situated at each end by the goals and the practice will be startedeach time from this position.

Targets:

Aim of the game is for the blue team to try and break the lines of the redteam to score. If they do by playing around or over, it's worth 1goal. If they score by playing through it's worth two goals. The red teamhave a goal to play towards should they take possession of the ball and keep itlive on the pitch.

Conditions:

Play must reset after each possession unless the Reds win the ball back inactive play at which point play continues. The Red team must reset to theirstart positions to create the right shapes.  

Offside rule to be played to ensure it is game realistic.

No throw ins. If the ball goes off the pitch either for a throw in orcorner we reset.

In the Specific, both sets of CB must stay in the tapered areas. No players, other than the opposition CF canenter the tapered zones. The GK must, atfirst, play into the CBs to start the practice.

Coaching position

Best coaching position for the Specific is on the centre line side on soboth the attacking lines can be seen on, around and away from the ball. Second coach to be utilised to ensure discipline in the reset of the defensiveteam and encourage certain patterns to aid creation of problems for the blueteam

Principles of play

The core principle of breaking lines is the understanding of when and how toplay through, around or over the opposition.

Problem 1

Problem 1:  Red CF blocks switch passing lane between GK and LCB.

Solution:  Blue RCB must receive on the back foot.  The RM must create width to stretch the two holding midfielders, allowing the blue CDM to either receive the ball in midfield and play forwards to the CAM or 9.  If the defenders stay narrow, the blue CB can either drive into the space or can play forwards to the RM quickly so he can combine with the CAM or CF.  If the ball goes into the blue CDM and the reds get quick pressure on the ball stopping the CDM turning or playing into the RM, the blue LM must peel away to show feet and offer an out-ball the other side with the LCB ready to receive as a recycle.

Problem 3

Problem 3: Red defensive unit puts pressure on the ball quickly, higher up the pitch

Solution:  If the Red team aggressive press the ball higher up the pitch effectively creating a box midfield 4 and pushing the CBs forwards, then this will allow the Blues to look for an opportunity to play over.  For this to be successful, the Blue team need to get the ball into the midfield diamond and anticipate a switch of play on the opposite side.  The 'over' ball will likely come from either the wider MF player or the CDM who has the view of the pitch.  If it is on, the Blue CAM needs to occupy the screening MF players, one of the CF needs to take a position inside the nearest CB whilst the second CF either drifts wide or makes a diagonal run into the far channel