Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Introduction to Playing Out From The Back (Part 1)

4v2 Rondo (10 mins)

Set Up: Two 12x12 squares. 4v2 in each. Adjust size according to ability and age.

Area of Focus: Passing Priorities

First (Green) = Through / Forward / Direct

Second (Blue) = Outside / Wide

Third (Red) = Flat / Square / Inside

The fourth possibility would be a backwards / safe pass.

Coaching Points

- Speed of decision

- Correct decision

- Passing technique

- Weight and accuracy of pass

- Which foot to receive with / pass to

- Supporting Movement

Key Phrases

"Can we split the defenders?"

"Where is the opening?"

"Can we play away from pressure?"

"Can you move to support the ball?"

"Are you an option?"

Coaches Advice

- Don't be afraid to group players of similar ability.

- Facilitate success, make the box as big as necessary. Remove a defender if needed.

- Try not to 'give players the answer', rather, help them discover it themselves.

- Ask the players to recite the passing priorities and positively reinforce them when you spot a mistake.

6 (+GK) vs 5 SSG (25 mins)

Set Up: Half Field. 10x10 box in the midfield. 7v5. Two CMs in the coned box, Two WBs tight to the touchline, Two CBs on the corners of the 6-yard box.

Example: In this example, the GK plays to the RCB. Solid Black lines indicate the movement of the relevant players to create the diamond (and essentially a 4v2 rondo). As before, Green line is the 1st passing priority (hit the CAM with a through pass). Blue line is the 2nd priority (get it outside, the wing back will then hit the target). Red line is 3rd priority, an inside pass to the CDM. It's risky but if the pass is good and the receiving player is capable, then it can work.

Objective:

Build-Up Team (Blue) - Successfully play out from the back and hit the target

Countering Team (Yellow) - Recover possession and score in the big goal within 10 seconds.

Coaching Points:

- Open body shape

- Head up before and after receiving

- Quick and correct decisions (priorities)

- Don't force it. Don't panic.

Key Phrases

"Where is the opening?"

"How can we create an opening?"

Coaches Advice

- Take up a position where you can help the GK and CBs with decision-making if they are struggling.

- Work almost exclusively with the Build-Up team. The Countering team will press on their own.

- Switch player roles every 5 minutes to give everyone a chance to learn.