Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Final Third (Start Time: 2025-01-17 09:00:00)

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FAW Coach Ed

Jun Chan

Profile Summary

Jun Chan
Name: Jun Chan
City: Pontypridd
Country: United Kingdom
Membership: Adult Member
Sport: Football/Soccer
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Description

Practice Overview

Dimensions: Half Pitch

Timings: 2 x 6 minutes (2 blocks), 3-minute rest between blocks

Numbers: 9 in possession (with GK) vs. 9 out of possession (with GK) = 18 outfield players total

Principle of Play: Final Third

Key Point: Understand when and how to combine, create, and finish in the attacking third

Target Players: In possession team only (Red)


Main Objectives / Learning Outcomes

  • To develop effective wide-attacking patterns: Players learn to exploit width and depth when attacking down the flanks to create goal-scoring opportunities in the final third.
  • To improve central combination play: Players understand how to break defensive lines through central channels via quick interchanges, risk-taking passes, and well-timed runs.
  • To enhance finishing capabilities: Players become more clinical in front of goal, with emphasis on final pass, decision-making, and execution of shots in the final third.

Practice Description

Normal Game Play

The ball restarts from either a throw-in or from either goalkeeper.

In-possession team (Red) attacks and aims to score in the full-sized goal.

Out-of-possession team (Blue) attempts to regain the ball and score against the Red team’s goal.

Reset upon In-Possession Restarts

Whenever the Red team restarts (e.g., after a goal kick or if the ball goes out for Red’s possession), the Red players quickly drop back toward the halfway line, reset their team shape, and begin their structured build-up.

Team Formations

In-Possession Team (Red): Modified 4-3-3

Two players withdrawn: Left Center Back (LCB) and Right Center Back (RCB)

Players involved: GK, LB, RB, DM (CDM), LM, RM, LW, RW, ST

Out-of-Possession Team (Blue): Modified 4-3-3

Two players withdrawn: Left Wing (LW) and Right Wing (RW)

Players involved: GK, LB, LCB, RCB, RB, LM, DM (CDM), RM, ST

Conditions, Targets, and Challenges

Conditions

Red team must complete at least two passes in the attacking half before finishing (promotes combination play).

Blue team can score immediately upon regaining possession (encourages quick transition defense from Red).

Targets

For Red: Score in the main goal; points awarded for goals originating from wide service or central combinations.

For Blue: Regain the ball and counterattack quickly; one point per goal.

Challenges

Group Challenge (Red): If a goal is scored within 6 passes, award an extra point (reinforces quick, incisive attacking).

Individual Challenge (Red): The ST is challenged to create at least two shots on target per 6-minute block.

Scoreboard: Maintain a visible scoreboard to add competitive pressure.


Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): 11 v 11

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11 v 11

Team formation:

In possssion team: 4-3-3 

Out possesion team: 4-3-3


Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): 9v9

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9v9

Team Formations

In-Possession Team (Red): Modified 4-3-3

Two players withdrawn: Left Center Back (LCB) and Right Center Back (RCB)

Players involved: GK, LB, RB, DM (CDM), LM, RM, LW, RW, ST

Out-of-Possession Team (Blue): Modified 4-3-3

Two players withdrawn: Left Wing (LW) and Right Wing (RW)

Players involved: GK, LB, LCB, RCB, RB, LM, DM (CDM), RM, ST


Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): LSG

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Block 1: Wide Attack Pattern

Objective

  • To develop an attacking pattern focused on creating and finishing from wide areas in the final third.

Setup and Instructions

  • The Red team is encouraged to use the full width of the half-pitch, with particular emphasis on their LB, RB, LW, and RW to stretch the Blue team’s defensive shape.
  • The DM (CDM) acts as a pivot, supporting quick switches of play from one wide channel to the other.
  • Once the Red team establishes width, they look to combine centrally (through the LM or RM) or deliver a cross/pull-back for the ST or onrushing midfielders to finish.

What If 1

  • If the Blue team successfully blocks wide attacks, the Red team should look to:

    Recycle possession through the DM (CDM): Switch play to the opposite flank quickly.

    Use central space: Have the LM or RM drop into half-spaces to create an overload centrally, pulling defenders away from the wide area.

    Overlap or Underlap: Encourage overlapping full-backs to create a 2v1 wide overload. If blocked, the wide player underlaps inside to combine with the ST or midfielders.


Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): LSG

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LSG

Block 2: Central Attack Pattern

Objective

  • To develop an attacking pattern focused on combination play and finishing through central channels in the final third.

Setup and Instructions

  • The Red team uses the DM (CDM) as the primary link from back to front through the center.
  • LM, RM, and ST work on quick one-two passes or third-man runs to break Blue’s defensive line.
  • Wide players (LW, RW) narrow slightly to offer central passing options, creating diagonal runs if space opens behind the Blue backline.

What If 2

  • If the Blue team successfully blocks central attacks, the Red team should:

    Exploit the Wide Channels: Shift the ball quickly out wide to the LB or RB, or advanced LW/RW to isolate defenders.

    Use Diagonal Passes: The DM or center midfielder looks to play diagonal passes behind the full-backs for runners coming in from wide.

    Pull Defenders Out: Encourage ST to drop deeper to draw out central defenders, creating space in behind for runners to attack.


Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): LSG

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Roles and Responsibilities (In Possession: Red)

When Starting Play

  • GK

    Distributes short to LB/RB or directly into DM if space allows.

    Communicates defensive shape and build-up cues.

  • LB & RB

    Provide initial width; be ready to support attacking moves either by overlapping or underlapping depending on the movement of the wide forwards (LW, RW).

    Quickly transition into defensive shape if possession is lost.

  • DM (CDM)

    Receives from GK or defenders; organizes distribution to wide or central players.

    Acts as the pivot to switch play and maintain balance.

  • LM & RM

    Position in the half-spaces to support wide and central play.

    Make forward runs to support ST and combine in the final third.

  • LW & RW

    Provide high and wide positioning to stretch the opposition defense.

    Cut inside or deliver crosses/pull-backs if in advanced positions.

  • ST

    Occupies central defenders; looks for quick combinations with LM/RM or wide players.

    Finishes attacks in and around the box.

When Executing Play

  • Off-The-Ball Movement

    Red players time their runs into the final third to maintain spacing and create overloads.

  • Rotation & Combination

    LM or RM might swap positions with LW or RW to confuse defenders.

  • Final Pass & Finishing

    Prioritize accuracy and timing of the final pass (risk-taking when appropriate).

    Encourage varied finishing techniques (first-time shots, late runs into the box, cutbacks).

Pitch Geography (In Possession: Red)

  • LB/RB start near the halfway line, close to the touchlines, providing immediate width.
  • DM (CDM) sits centrally just behind the halfway line, ready to receive.
  • LM/RM positioned in the inside channels (half-spaces), slightly higher than the DM.
  • LW/RW occupy advanced wide channels, near the opposition back line.
  • ST stays central, in line with or just off the last defender to receive through balls or hold-up play.

As the attack progresses, LB or RB may push higher up the touchline, LM or RM may push into the penalty area or link centrally, and the DM may hold a deeper supportive position.



Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): LSG

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Progressions & Regressions (if necessary)

Progression

  • Narrow the Playing Space: Red must operate in a tighter area of the half pitch, increasing defensive pressure and forcing quicker decision-making (promotes risk-taking, faster play).
  • Limit Touches: E.g., 2-touch max in attacking zones for wide players or central attackers to quicken combination play and force incisive passing.

Regression

  • Use Floaters (Neutral Players): Add one or two neutral players who always support the Red team, creating numerical advantages and extra passing options if the Red team struggles with buildup.
  • Increase Time on the Ball: Allow the Red team 3-4 touches in the final third if they struggle to find success with quick passes.

Detailed Coaching Points

Width and Depth

Encourage full-backs (LB, RB) and wingers (LW, RW) to stay wide, stretching the opposition’s defensive unit.

Maintain depth by ensuring the DM (CDM) stays available for a backward pass to recycle possession.

Risk Taking

Urge creative players (LM, RM, ST) to attempt through passes or one-two combinations in the final third.

Emphasize the importance of quick decision-making and bravery in attacking moves.

Final Pass

Focus on timing: The final pass should be played into space behind defenders or to feet for quick finishes.

Encourage communication and visual cues (hand signals, eye contact) to synchronize runs and passes.

Finishing

Stress technique: Body shape, balance, and follow-through when shooting.

Reinforce the importance of hitting the target: “Accuracy over power,” especially in tight areas.

Coaching Interventions

Freeze

Coach stops play at a crucial moment (e.g., just before the final pass) to highlight positioning or decision-making.

Example: “Freeze! Look at the space the ST has created by dropping off. Can LM/RM exploit that space?”

Walkthrough

Players move at slower speed to understand exact positioning and movement patterns (e.g., wide overload or central combination).

Example: Demonstrate how LB and LW can coordinate an overlap, then show how the ST should time the run.

Bullseye

Coach praises and reinforces a successful moment or behavior during play.

Example: “Bullseye on that cross from RB to ST—great timing and execution!”

Concurrent

Coach gives live, ongoing feedback without stopping play.

Example: “Good! DM, open your body—switch it quicker to LB if the channel is blocked.”




Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): LSG

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Physical Corner

Work-to-Rest Ratios: 6 minutes of high-intensity effort followed by a 3-minute rest aligns with the intermittent nature of football. This promotes aerobic and anaerobic capacity.

Energy Systems:

Primarily anaerobic (ATP-PC and lactic acid system) during short, intense sprints and finishes in the final third.

Aerobic system used during lower intensity movements (jogging, positioning) and recovery between efforts.

Social Corner

Team Meetings:

Short huddles before each block to agree on attacking priorities (e.g., “Focus on wide play,” or “Let’s try to combine centrally”).

Captains:

Assign a captain or co-captains to lead on-field communication and reminders of the game objectives.

Problem-Solving Tasks:

During rest periods, small groups discuss how to overcome defensive blocks (e.g., if central routes are closed, how can we switch wide quickly?).

Psychological Corner

Confidence Building:

Reinforce positive actions (successful dribbles, effective through passes) to boost players’ self-belief.

Decision-Making Under Pressure:

Encourage players to make quick, autonomous decisions based on visual cues (where is space? which defender is isolated?).

Resilience:

Promote a growth mindset; if a move fails, reset quickly and try again.


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