Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 523 Defensive Shape - Mid Block (Rest Defence)

Passing Practice (10 mins)

Explanation:

- set up as many as grids as what required for player numbers 

- ball is worked across to player C who then goes through the skill circuit and joins the back of the line A

- rotation is always A to B to C to D (and through)

First Progression:

- Players A and B play a one two with each other and player A passes to Player C

- Done to get the players moving and comfortbale to make sure we can build the tempo without injury

Second Progression:

- Player A now looks to pass directly to Player C

- Player B aims to intercept /block the pass

- If Player B wins then they play to Player C and continue rotation

- Question player C what do they need to do to be able to receive?

Game Training (30 mins)

Explanation:

- Attack v Defence session

- 11 v 10

- Ball starts with the White team who then look to attack and score within the big goal

- Red team look to stay compact and deny whites the ability to build up. When the opportunity arises to press (see previous pressing triggers) then they press and aim to score within one of the 4 mini goals

- Central area highlighted which should the Whites combine within before scoring doubles any goals scored

- Restarts from coaches playing into one of the back 4 for the whites (see progression)

Progression:

- Ball can be restarted at any time with the coach calling out a colour (see outside channels) coach then passes to the first White to get there - Reds cannot tackle until first touch of White - used to replicate switches of play and exploit the weak point within the shape to make sure that we are sliding and dropping as a unit

Coaching Points:

Player Tasks (Coaching Cues)

- can the players use common language to organise shifts and pressing (slide, up, back, press, on me - aka setting defensive line - Q. to players who talks to who?)

- can the 3 CB organise themselves so that should a ball be played down the side of them then cover can be provided (when ball in wider areas then CB positions a yd or 2 deeper than L/R CB to follow run into channel - L/RCB then recovers centrally)

- CDM position themselves to ensure that balls cannot be passed through both lines of the attack and midfield (CDM arrange themselves within the gaps of the front line maintaining vertical and horizontal distancing to reduce ability to play through - see green linking lines between players - this always allows a minimum of two players to press on any opposition player receiving between them)

- Can CF force the opposition to one side within their build up using their body /cover shadow (when the CB have the ball then CF passive presses angling on the inside shoulder of the CB using cover shadow to limit ball into pivot) Seconday Player Task to ballside 7 /10 (when 9 presses then position within a cover position - narrow and deeper) 

- 6 /8 can you position yourselves to deny central balls into the central area but be close enough to apply pressures on any player receiving beyond the first line (when ball is centrally then ballside 6/8 slightly more advanced to enable pressure higher up with the non ballside close enough to stop pass breaking their line)

- Ballside 6/8 and 7/10 should a pass break the first line can you provide immediate pressure to deny further forward pass (if pass breaks the first line then closest 6/8 presses player with 7/10 applying blindside pressure with aim to force the ball back, or, sideways) Secondary Player Task to non ballside 6/8 can you anticpate a lateral pass by oppositon body shape and be able to arrive at the same time as the ball on receiving player if possible. 

- Ballside 7/10 if the ball is passed out to the fullback can you provide pressure on the ball and track the run of that player should they carry forward. If this occurs 9 can you stop ball going back to CB and non ballside 7/10 drop a little deeper to deter switch of play

Shooting Session (15 mins)

Explanation:

- split the groups into two teams

- compete against one another to score as many goals as possible in time frame

- Ball starts with GK who passes to whites

- White aim to score within 3 passes

- Red cannot press beyond the green line and must work together to stop passes into the mini goals

- If red intercept then they counter attack

- If White score, or, miss the target then the coach plays a ball into the reds who attack

Points: 

Red - intercept and score is worth 2 goals

Red - Score from coach restart is 1 goal

White - Worth one point for a goal and they are used as tie breakers