Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): (PDP) Breaking the block 1

(PDP) Breaking the block 1

Practice organisation

• Area 35x10yds, including 2 end zones 5x10yds each.

• Main practice area divided into two 10x10yd zones, with a central

pocket of space 5x10yds, as illustrated.

• 10 players, 1 ball.

• 2 groups of 2v2 in main gridded area, either side of safe zone & 1

Target player at back of each end zone.

• Practice starts with: T feeds ball into Attackers who try to play

through opponents.

• Supporting player from advanced group can move into free zone,

unopposed to receive a get-out pass.

• Receiving player looks to penetrate opponents with a pass or run

into the end zone, for team mate running on, to receive or run with

the ball at the defender.

• Off-side rule applies.

• Sequence is successfully completed with quality pass into T.

• Play resumes in opposite direction, from T player.

Detail

• Attention to receiving skills with open body shape.

• Control ball into desired space.

• Looking for disguised passes, with players electing

to use ground or aerial passing techniques.

• Timing runs to remain on-side.

• Clever movement aimed at unbalancing

& moving D’s out of good defensive positions.

• Quality accurate passes into T.

• A simple progression for this practice is:

- Remove free zone & allow D to support play from behind.

Key coaching points

• Early identification of space available.

• Weight & accuracy of pass.

• Intelligent movement & turning.

• Looking forward & behind defence.

• Selecting whether to pass or run with ball to advance play.

• A’s pulling D’s short, to then get behind.

• A’s threaten behind to receive to feet & turn.

• Creating & exploiting 1v1 situations using skill & imagination.

• When to use quick play & one touch football.