Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): CDM in possession - be Creative

CM arrival activity (10 mins)

Set-Up

All players in a suitable area. Select a small number to be CM (Whites). Everyone is constantly moving around the area finding new open spaces. Half of the blue players start with a ball and look to pass to one of the CM players, who then look to find another blue and pass before finding a new player to receive a pass from.

Progression - Midfielders must dribble through 1/2 gates before passing.

Coaching Points

- Look for the next pass before you have received the ball, SCAN 

- Minimise touches on the ball, pass at the earliest point

- pass as soon as possible once dribbled through gates.

Positional SSG (20 mins)

Set up

Positional SSG, 2 CBs, 3 MID, 1 ST. Add wingers or GK if needed. Play to goal, for a goal to be scored the CDM (6) must be involved. E.G, if you win possession, the 6 must touch the ball before a shot can be taken.   

Progressions - A goal scored directly from 6 or from a pass is worth 3 goals. Restrict time on the ball for 6.

Coaching Points

- CBs, push forward in possession to commit a player and create space for teammates, particularly 6.

- 6, find space created by the CBs.

- make a decision based on your surroundings. Is there space to dribble? Is the pass forward on? 

- 1st thought - go forward, 2nd, play sidewards, 3rd - play backwards if under pressure. Maintain possession.   

- MID three, stay out of each other's zones, always be on the move.  

Q&A    

Q - When is the right time to pass or dribble? A - Each situation is different, if there is space in front, you can move into it a commit and opponent, in turn creating space for a teammate. If a penetrative pass is on, make the pass.