Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): (PDP) Counter-attacking from midfield

(PDP) Counter-attacking from midfield

Practice organisation

• Full pitch with goals, as illustrated.

• 18 players (incl. 2GKs) arranged 8v8 plus 2 Floaters, 1 ball.

• Players arranged 5v5 in extended centre circle area (approx.

20x28yds), with 2 floaters providing numerical advantage for team

with ball.

• Practice starts with coach who serves ball into central area.

• Initial objective is for one team to keep possession in area for 5-6

passes, before looking to play into or behind (a marked) A who

starts centrally, approx. 20yds from goal.

• With exception of player making pass to A, one player can break

from central area to quickly support (creating 2v1) to achieve strike

on goal.

• If D wins possession: he can quickly supply his team in central area

& they break forward to counter-attack their opponents goal.

• When play breaks down: practice recommences

with same start position & play builds towards opposite goal.

Detail

• Assess movement of A & position of D to select best passing option.

• Execution & nature of forward passing, with emphasis on accuracy,

weight & whether aerial or along ground.

• Remaining on-side.

• Finishing skills & composure in front of goal involving A & MF’s.

• Simple progressions for this practice are:

- Opposite side floating player joins-in to make

3v1 attacking situation.

- A’s send 2 players forward & D’s send 1 back

(to create a 3v2).

- Further similar numerical permutations to develop complexity of

practice are natural progressions.

Key coaching points

• Precise control to enable MF’s to play with head up & assess

opportunity to play into A with quality & accuracy.

• Early recognition of pass required to play into or behind A.

• Timing & nature of quick support.

• Finishing & following-up for rebounds..

• Execution of link-up play & actions after releasing ball to

support player.

• Intelligent movement of A to create space to receive.

• A retaining individual possession & holding-up play

for MF’s to make ground.

• A looking to turn D & threaten goal with first

touch control.