Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Pushing up 1st & 2nd phase

Screen 1

Area:

Pitch size can vary depending on numbers. This example uses just over half 9v9 pitch.

Use flat discs to mark line across penalty area (red line)and another line halfway between edge of penalty area and halfway line (yellow line). Put 2 goals 5 yards inside the other half in each channel as shown with the poles.

Equipment:

cones, discs, poles, balls

Objective:

Split the players in to 2 teams. reds are defending team with a goal keeper, blues are the attacking team. Create an overload for the defending team by having an extra defender. This practice is designed to encourage the defending team to push up in 2 phases depending on how far the ball is away from their goal. This is a game of attack V defense where the blues attack the main goal and the defense try to score in the 2 goals in the channel. There is offsides for the attacking team.The defending team is the team coached by the coach.The coach starts the play by dropping a ball into play as they see fit to the attacking team.The objective to coach is for the defending team to push up to the edge of their box as first phase if they clear their lines or step out with the ball in possesion. If the ball is cleared much further up the pitch or the defending team has possesion by the halfway line then the 2nd phase objective is the defense to push up to the yellow line. After 5 mins swap attackers and defenders. Swap players twice. If the ball goes out of play, restart by giving the ball to the attacking team.

Progression:

None

Key points:

Pushing up is a switched on mindset that requires good communication with the defensive unit. Emphasise that once the ball is cleared away from the goal the defense needs to push up together to the edge of the box. Assign this role to one player during the practice to lead the line and swap this role around. Make sure that player doesn't push up and leave his team mates behind.

Phase 1 example

Now the players are offside and the box is clear and the ofside line is further away from the goal . The defense are also closer to the player in possesion to put them under prressure.

Phase 2 example

This is the cue for the defense to push up further to the 2nd line. The attackers are in an offside position and need to get back onside. Now the reds are in possesion they can attempt to score in either channel. If the reds score or the ball goes out of play, allow the reds to get back to the edge of the box before starting the play.