Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): UEFA C - March 2022 - Block 1 - Defenders Defending Centrally in a 7v7 Game

11 v 11 Reduction of Numbers 2 - to 7v7

Method:

Set out 11 v 11 game. 1433 v 1433, then demonstrating the reduction of numbers down to emphasise central areas of the pitch and the players applicable.
As set out above, with the players now removed the spine of our team remains the same as a 1231 plays a 

Coaching Points:

Not relevant on this slide

11 v 11 Reduction of Numbers 4 - to 7v7

Method:

Set out 11 v 11 game. 1433 v 1433, then demonstrating the reduction of numbers down to emphasise central areas of the pitch and the players applicable.
As set out above, with the players now removed the spine of our team remains the same as a 1231 plays a 1231.

Coaching Points:

Not relevant on this slide

Key Areas Roles & Areas

Method:

A - Shows a shadowing of Red 8 of the pass to the Blue 8 from the RCB.

B- Shows our 6 shadowing and stopping the ball into the centre forwards feet

C - Shows the single pivot 6 blue is ushered in to the compacted area of the pitch, body language and verbal pressing here is important to ensure players @ D are not reached and space found.

D - Shows the two blue players Blue 8 and LCB are the outlet for the blue team, and can be accessed via the blue 6 pivot (if not marked tight enough) or a clipped ball.

Coaching Points:

Vital to both teams - Communication (Information) Attacking and Defending - This starts from the Goalkeeper forward, as he can see the whole pitch

As its a 7v7 game, both teams will have to illustrate the above defensive patterns and below points, however they will also be required to also show attacking principles as follows:

Blue Team to show:

- Provide Width & Depth

- Ensure a good first touch receive the ball in a position to play a forward pass (note average 40 touches in a game so 40 chances to positively influence the game positively)

- Provide Passing Angles

Red Team to show:

- Appropriate Distance between the horizontal line (Two Red CB's) and vertical lines (CB's & CM's)  

- We are only defending 1/2 or 2/3's of the pitch at one time, starting centrally and shifting left and red as a unit once the ball is in motion from the GK.

- CF, forcing direction of play along with each 8 aiding him, when applicable