Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Midfield unit remaining compact (Start Time: 16-Apr-2014 10:00h)

Screen 1 (45 mins)

Practice Organisation:

8v8 plus 2 GK, plus 2 neutral players who operate in the wide channels,

All attacks must pass through middle third. 2 Neutral player upport both teams and must pass into middle third on receiving

Details:

Challenge: Try to win the ball back in midfield areas to establish counter attack

Opportunities to rotate players in position should be taken, due to structured nature of practice.

In Midfield Areas:

Marking position and distances

Passing opponents on to other MF Defenders

Moving across pitch together as a 3 man unit

Tracking opponents as they move forward.

Progression

Man for man marking

2 of 3 midfielders can support strikers into attacking third to take up scoring position.

Key Factors:

Defensive compactness and team shape in each thirds

Defensive Distance

Defensive pressure, cover and Balance

Angle and distance of support to the pressurring D

Positioning and looking to intercet

Keeping sight of the ball when in marking and covering situations

Tackling off front and back foot

Preventing attackers from turning

Blocking passes crosses and shots

Organising against counter attack.

Screen 3 (40 mins)

Organisation: Green number 2 has a ball, been close down with red wide player who force number 2 to go inside in shadded areas. Three Midfield players(M) have to compact as a unit to block any penetration passes through.

Key Factors:

Compactness when defending expecially Midfielder(M) 3.

Angel and distance when defending

Balance and cover

Pressing as a unit

Team Objectives:

To regain possession as quickly as possible

Counter attacks once gaining possession

Competativeness

Composure when retain possession

Individual Objectives:

Wide player's has to force players number 2 &3 to come inside by cutting the channel ball.

The two front players on red team makes difficults for player number 5 & 6.

Progressions:

When to press high/ when to drop