Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): (Pro Dev) Intercepting Passes 2

(PDP) Intercepting Passes 2

Practice organisation

• Area 30x20yds with 10yd radius circle in centre (eg. centre circle of

pitch), squared-off to make 20x20yd box, with each end extended

5yds, as illustrated.

• 10 players organised into 3 groups of 3, plus 1 Target player on side

of practice area.

• 3 players operate in each zone.

• Practice starts with: ball fed-in by coach to 3A’s.

• 3A’s in end zone retain possession unopposed, looking for

opportunities to pass through defended central area to opposite zone.

• On receiving: 3A’s opposite, look to transfer ball back.

• If 3D’s in central zone intercept: they play ball to T.

• Practice restarts with ball fed into an end zone

by coach.

• Rotate A’s & D’s at regular intervals.

Detail

• Quick footwork & anticipation by individual players.

• Effective communication to maintain pressure

on ball movement.

• Press quickly with low carriage & balanced body shape.

• Maintain appropriate distance & angles between defenders

within unit.

• Press, cover & support.

• Simple progression for this practice is:

- On interception: players in middle zone attack the 3 opponents

in end zone from which the pass was delivered & attempt to cross

end line of that zone.

Key coaching points

• Central unit of 3D’s read & react to ball movement.

• 3D’s organise & have a main pressing player who attempts to get

close to ball whilst remaining in central zone.

• Other D’s support presser & maintain spacing

& balance of unit.

• D unit change roles, depending on movement of ball.

• Low carriage & sliding movement across area, using quick footwork.

• Looking for interceptions &/or deflections of passes