Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Using the fullbacks in possession. (Start Time: 2018-10-06 09:30:00)

Lead in session (10 mins)

Rondos - 4v2 or 4v3, players can begin outside the playing area (20 by 32 yard rectangle) first few minutes until they are used to the set up, then look to get all players inside to replicate full pressure. If the defender gets a touch on the ball, the player at at fault (poor pass or a difficult pass to control which lead to a poor pass, therefore the player who passed) becomes the defender. If the same defender (s) have played in the middle for over a minute, change the defender. Which group of 4 can have the most passes in a row?

Progressions:- Reduce the space, play with 2 footballs or the red team must keep the ball for as long as possible.- make it 3v4 or 4v4 where possible. 

Coaching points:

- Eyes up and pass selection; instep, inside or outside of foot, disguise on pass, ground pass or in the air (lofted with/ without curl, chipped, or driven)

- Decision making: first time pass or take additional touch(es), pass to nearest team mate, use disguise/ feints, penetrate through defenders. 

- Movement to support at angles, provide width and depth for player on the ball, at least 2 options (triangle/ diamond).

PTO

Main practise (25 mins)

Organisation: Same as above but now the split is removed to a half pitch practise, still with wide lanes. If numbers are limited, the holding midfielder can be removed or a striker from the opposition and centre back can also be removed. The aim is for the midfielder to play the ball into a mini goal. The goalkeeper or coach will give the ball to the centre back and on their first touch, play is live as they look to give the ball to the feedback. 

First part of phase: The first 2 or 3 repetition will be against passive defenders, then the defenders will have slightly withdrawn starting positions but with pressure once the ball is played (full back has the ball). After some success, progress into full pressure from the centre back and then from goal kicks to add realism.  

Progressions:

- Allow the opponents to start where they like (not neccesarily a mid press

block, remove markers) how will the team in possession react? 

- Play continuously until a point is scored by a team, including corners and throw ins to replicate moments out of possession and transition for white team. 

- Anyone can put the ball into the mini goals.

- Alter the numbers where possible to create overload for the opposition.

Primary player: Full back (2 or 3)

Primary unit: Centre back (2,5 & 8 or 3,6 & 10)

Secondary unit: GK & defensive midfielder (4) 

Opposition management: Can you win the ball and create a goalscoring opportunity.

Coaching position: Behind the goalkeeper to feed footballs in to him or the centre backs.

Trigger: When the Centre back or secondary unit takes a touch towards you, be on half turn at an angle to receive. 

Second trigger: If the player on the ball is facing forward, look to support potential recipient at an angle where possible e.g. 5 to 8.

Coaching points:

Support, movement, create space: 

- Full back to utilise width of lane at an angle (ideally 45 degrees).

- centre mid movement to lose marker and support full back and be able to play into mini goals.

- Centre backs and secondary unit to offer supporting angles through intelligent movement into space or to create space for full back.

Penetration: Look to exploit space behind opponents midfield 4 with accurate passing, good movement and supporting angles to get ball forward (mini goals).

Screen 6 (25 mins)

Finish with a small sided game with the condition that if the wide areas are used in the build up, goals are worth double. Last 15 minutes let the players have free play with offsides. If possible, do 7v7, have a neutral player (6v6+1) or an overload (e.g. 7v6).

Last 5 minutes if the scores are close challenge the leading team to hold the score and the other team to score or both teams to get a winner if the scores are level. Finish with a penalty shoot out in preparation for a cup match.