Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defensive Principles - Winning the ball high up the field.

Technical (20 mins)

Set Up

24x45 (split ratio 10:15:10). Small goals at each end. Lines of cones to represent the split in the zones.

Time

4 x 4 minute games

1 minute rest

Rules and Conditions

Play 9v5 (2v1 in each end zone and 5v3 in the middle) Defending team to try and win the ball back and try to score in any goal. When in the attacking phase 2 middle players can join an end area to create a 3v2 overload. Defending team can attack in either direction when they win the ball back. Possession team to keep possession of the ball to keep it away from defending team. Possession players cannot leave their zones. 

Progressions

Possession team can score by working the ball from end zone to end zone.

Coaching Points

Make play predictable

- Focus on CF splitting CB's and forcing the opponent in one direction

- Midfielders and Defenders to mark shoulder that would open up the switch.

- Force play back into defensive pressure.

Pressure

- Touch tight pressure pushing towards side line.

- Prevent switches of play as often as possible.

Triggers

- CF starts Splitting CB's: Players in Middle third to pick up an opponent

Scrimmage (30 mins)

Set Up

Appropriate field size for player numbers, Goal at each end.

Time

2 x 14 minutes.

1 minute rest.

Rules and Conditions

Game conditions

Coaching Points

Principles of attack and defense

Communication

Secondary Topic

Defensive positioning when first line of pressure has been broken. Slide to mid or low block.

Counter Topic

Breaking the first line of pressure.

- Movement: angles and timing

- Width: Stretch opponent

- Depth: Stretch team and play between lines.