Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Game Principles task -Passing - Breaking/Defending lines (Attacking and Defending SSG) (Start Time: 2025-06-16 20:05:00)

Breaking Lines: Defending (55 mins)

Practice Focus: Passing – Breaking Lines (Defending in a Small-Sided Game)

Setup:
Divide the attacking half into thirds, marking off the final third as a restricted zone. Two goals at one end.

Attackers play 2 v 3 in the middle third, with one attacker positioned in the final third. 

The defenders operate in the middle third only.

Objective:
The defending team's goal is to prevent the attackers from breaking their line with a through pass into the final third, where the attacker can then attempt to score in either of the two small goals.

Coaching Points:

• Defensive Compactness:
  Encourage defenders to stay tight and connected, minimizing passing lanes between them.

• Unit Cohesion:
  Defenders should communicate and move as a unit to apply pressure while maintaining cover.

• Decision Making:
  Players must judge when to press the ball carrier and when to delay, ensuring they don’t overcommit or open up gaps.

• Cover and Support:
  While one defender engages the ball, the others should provide support and cover the space behind.

Adaptations (Progressions & Regressions):

Progressions 

• Reduce Defensive Numbers

  • Change to 2v2 in the middle third, making it harder for defenders to cover all passing lanes and increasing the need for tight positioning.

• Add a Neutral Attacker in Midfield

  • Include a neutral player who supports the attacking team in the middle third, creating a 3v3+1. Forces defenders to manage more options and encourages quicker decision-making.

• Timed Pass Through the Line

  • Require the attacking team to break the line within a set time limit (e.g., 10 seconds) to simulate pressure and encourage quicker build-up play.

• Allow Final Third Attacker to Move Horizontally

  • Let the attacker in the final third move side to side, making it harder for defenders to predict and block the passing lane.

• Two-Touch Limit for Attackers

  • Restrict the attacking players to two touches to speed up play and test defenders' reactions and positioning.

• Counter-attack Option for Defenders

  • If defenders win the ball, allow them to counterattack into mini-goals or break into space to simulate transition moments.

Regressions 

• Increase Defensive Numbers

• • Play 3v3 or 4v3 in the middle third to give defenders more support and improve their confidence with positioning.

• Make Passing Lane Bigger

  • Widen the passing channel into the final third to give attackers more opportunities to succeed and help defenders recognize danger areas more clearly

• No Pressure on First Pass

  • Start the game with attackers unopposed for the first 5 seconds to allow them to shape up and give defenders a clearer picture of how play might develop.