Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Transition; Forward passing in advanced areas (Start Time: 2014-11-17 19:30:00)

Transition (25 mins)

Session Organisation

Area 60x40yds, divided into 6 zones, with end zones 10x40yds, divided into 2 equal size areas & 2 central zones, each 20x40yds wide, as illustrated.

16 players, 1 ball.

3v3 in each central zone, 2 Target players for each team in each of 2 end zones.

Practice starts with the Blues in possession.

Objective of game to pass through each of 2 central zones to play into T.

Once achieved, T player transfers ball to second T in adjoining end zone.

Second T passes into opponent’s central third player to change direction of play.

T players may change positions, but must remain in balance, as do central players, in terms of numbers.

Detail

Challenge 1: Try to play forward early, or (if unable), pass to a player who is in a position to do so.

Teams need to retain their positional balance & structure.

Exchanges of position in central zones, whilst maintaining balance is encouraged.

Choice, speed & accuracy of passes in congested central zones.

Quality of passes into T’s, who will be on the move in end zones.

Simple progressions for this practice are:

D’s may press in end zone

Players may pass into end zones & replace receiving player who exits end zone for mid zone.

Four Corners

Technical

Tactical

Players to look for spaces to exploit.

Create space for team mate to exploit.

Place changing to unbalance opposition.

Deal with opponents entering into grid

Physical

Psychological

Social

8 vs. 8 Breakout to Goal (25 mins)

Organization:

Use three equal zones on a full field of 30 - 35 yards.

Activity:

Play 8 v. 8 with keepers. Teams play possesstion in the middle third of the field. When there is a turnover, the deepest player on the attacking team makes a run towards goal and finishes on frame. Goalkeeper plays ball back into the middle to restart game.

Variations:

-Limit the amount of touches in the middle third to promote speed of play.

-Add further attackers and defenders as apart of the transition to goal.

Coaching Points:

-Timing of the run and the ball being delivered

-Player who wins ball looks up field to find the running player

-The team that loses the ball, applies immediate pressure on the ball to prevent a through ball.