Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): U14 Breaking Lines

Breaking Lines & Defensive transition: 4v4+4+2 (30 mins)

Roughly 40 yards long (18 yard then 4 yard straight line and then another 18 yard). Small goals place at each end of the pitch (length-ways), with small gaps for coaches to feed the balls in (width-ways).

EQUIPMENT:

large cones, balls, 4 bibs of each colour & 3 different colours, 2x 7-a-side goals, 4 poles

DESCRIPTION:

4v4 (+4, +2 goalkeepers)

Blues and Goalkeepers (Yellows) must stay outside of the playing area and can move along their line. Reds and Greens must stay inside the area.

Blues will play with the Greens to try completing 7 passes and then score in either of the goals while Reds are trying to defend and win the ball back.

During the build-up, goalkeepers can be used in the same way as Blues (outlet players that Greens can use if needed) but as soon as 7 passes have been completed then they become goalkeepers to stop shots.

When Reds win the ball back they can instantly attack one of the goals (Blues can not get involved until Greens win the ball back)

COACHING POINTS (out of possession):

- Can you win it back within 3 seconds (sprinting, intensity to reduce the space).

- Anticipate the turn over (understanding the quality of pass being played and be ready).

- If you are far away from the ball locking onto players to stop options.

- Can we get 3 players attacking the one on the ball.

COACHING POINTS (in possession):

- Breaking line basics

- Creating angles

- If you win the ball secure it and be direct to the goal.

TIMING:

4 minute block + 1 minute rest, swap the team on the outside (Blues in this picture). Two times around = 30 minutes.

PROGRESSIONS:

- Players on the outside limited to 2 touches when playing

- In possession team limited to 1 touch.

- If the team scores they become the team on the outside.

REGRESSIONS:

- Allow unlimited touches on the outside.

- Increase number of players on the inside for possession team (all neutrals inside).