Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): [FCWE TACTICAL POSITIONING IN A 3-5-2.]

Starting Positions

Organization:

GK: Goalkeeper

CD: Central Defender

RD: Right Defender, LD: Left Defender

DM: Defensive Midfielder

CM: Central Midfielders

RM: Right Midfielder, LM: Left Midfielder

RF: Right Forward, LF: Left Forward

Outside Def

Organization:

The outside defenders are required to provide pressure to the opposition's forwards. They must stay compact with the central defender and resist the urge to get drawn out too wide and far from the other two defenders. Teamwork amongst the three defenders is vital. These two players provide the initial width when the GK or central defender has the ball. Conservatively they will not go past half way but may also provide support when the ball is in the attacking third. It is important that they don't get caught behind the central defender or leave the far side of the field onsides. They must be hard working and intelligent when it comes to slidetackling.

Def Mid

Organization:

This player must be very good in the tackle and willing to be physical. he must read the game and intercept passes as well as break up attacks from the other team. He doesn't necessarily have to be the best on the ball but must be able to distribute short and simple to more technical players. He must be careful to not get caught too close to the defenders or too high up with the attacking midfielders. He must provide a balance between attack and defense. He is often the link that will connect the defense to attack and will often receive the ball off of one of the defenders.

Forwards

Organization:

These two are responsible for scoring the majority of the goals for the team and must be very opportunistic when it comes to balls played in the box. They must be creative and willing to beat a defender 1v1 as well as playing with their back to goal. The timing and creativity of forward runs is important and knowing where the ball is at all times will give them the chance to capitalise on any half chance given. They need to be comfortable shooting with both feet and heading the ball. The two must also work together in that one will check to the ball while the other checks in behind. Don't get caught flat and maitain that connection with regards to distance (not too far where you can't play each other and not too close where the defenders can stay comfortably compact). They will normally opperate within the width of the penalty box. They will also be responsible for providing the intitial defensive pressure on the opposition's defenders and will channel the play into a predictable direction.