Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defenders Defending Centrally within a 7v7 Game (Start Time: 2022-04-29 18:00:00)

Introduction & 11v11 Set Up to 7v7

Method:

•  Introduce myself to the group and explain what topic I am going to cover.
• Use tactics board to show how we are reducing it from a standard 11v11 to a 7v7 focusing on Defenders defending in a central area. (Removing the wide areas of pitch)
• Demonstrate on the tactics board what the main key points we want both teams to work on in the session.
• Clarify with players main points lead with open answers to see if the players understand before commencing on pitch.
• Ask if there are any questions and if they have any questions throughout the session to not to be afraid to ask.

• Organise players into positions to pick up bibs already placed in the playing area.

Phase 1

Method:

• Play starts with Yellow Keeper passing to either Blue 4/5.
• Red team establish a pressure line - (Yellow Line)
• 9 Red arcs run to prevent the ball travelling to opposite CB while also forcing the play wide.
• Rest of midfield are using this pressure as a Que for them to start pressing and cut off passes into centre of pitch.

Coaching Points:

• Starting positions/Orientation on both teams.
•  Identify and establish the line of pressure.
•  9 arcs run to stop to cut off the pass to opposite CB and aims to force play wide.
• First 3 minutes uninterrupted play to allow players to work on objective and to make mistakes.
•  Opposition’s role is to create goal scoring opportunities through central areas of the pitch.
•  Create Width & Depth along with other attacking principles such as:
• • Good quality/selection of passes
  • Look for penetrating runs with or without ball
  • Create space and angles
  • Penetrating runs with or without ball

Phase 3

Method:

• Using the touchline as an advantage the Red team can apply the pressure to win possession back.
• When the Red team regain possession, they transition to attack by scoring into the opposition goal on the halfway line.

Coaching Points:

• Body shape to receive to play forward when ball is won back.
•  Quality of passing (accuracy, weight, timing)
•  Quick transition from defending to get your head up and see what the attacking options are.
•  Open play for the remaining 4 minutes allowing both teams to play the game using the coaching points that you have focused on throughout the session from start to finish.
•  Allowing the players enough time to get a chance to implement all they have learned in the session.
•  Make it game realistic as much as possible – Even numbers.