Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Building out the back

Organization Exercise 1

Organization:

85yds. x 55yds/

Use 1/2 Field

One back four line

One group pressing the back four

Instructions:

Back four look to build out of the back by playing the ball from their FB (LB/RB) to their CB, whom plays to the other CB who plays to the other FB whom is making a run forward

Pressing team will begin with just applying high pressure on the back four (Don't try to win the ball)

Coaching Points:

Center backs to play width of the penalty area

Full back to play high and wide

As the ball works across the back four, the CB's should play at an angle (avoid square passes)

Pace and accuracy of pass from CB to FB is key - driven with inside of the foot (CB looks to play pass to LB's/RB's front foot for quick transition going forward

Progressions:

*Allow pressing team to win the ball - they go to goal if they win the ball

*FB after recieving pass from 2nd CB in the combination looks to reach midfield as fast as they can, back line is allowed to push up and support FB, trailing defender is now allowed to press the FB and try to win posession

* Back four scores a goal every time a full back is able to reach past midfield (If other FB pushes forward and recieves a pass and crosses the midline it also results in a goal

Regressions:

*Pressing team's starting position is deeper

*Pressing team is lowered to 3 players

Main Theme Exercise 3

Organization:

20x40 yard area

12 players

Instructions:

4v4 in the possession group - in one half of the area - 20x20

3 or 4 v2 in the opposite side

2 defenders attempt to win the ball and play into their two attacking players in opposite side

2 players that are attacking can move to other area to provide support

When possesion is lost the 2 defending players recover to make it 4v2 in the attacking area going to the pug goals

5 passes = 1 goal

Coaching Points:

Defenders must be goal side to replicate tranistion in the game

Timing and angle of how the players checks to receive the ball

Upon losing possession tracking back quickly to the original area provide support/balance

Open up body to the playing area/opposing players

Use first touch as a prep touch (play out of feet) to play to teammate faster

Progressions:

*15 passes is one goal

*Increase the number of players in starting grid to 5v.5 (allow 3 players to provide support in the 2 v. 2 grid to create a 5 v. 2 situation)

Regressions:

*5 passes is one goal

*Increase size of the playing area

*Reduce number of players in starting area