Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): OPDL Practice 16/11/22 (Start Time: 2022-11-16 18:15:00)

4v4v4 Switching Play (20 mins)

Organisation: 

• 12 players - 3 teams of 4 players
• 2 teams are attacking (keeping possession) and the other (yellow in this case) is defending
• Coach starts play by passing into either end team. They look to make 5 passes (depending on age/ability) before switching play to the other attacking team.
• 2 yellow defenders press and attempt to win the ball back, the other 2 remain in the central area as blockers. These blockers become defenders once a switch of play is made.
• If yellows regain possession, they look to score in any of the mini-goals.
• Rotate every 2-3 minutes.

Modify: 

• Increase/decrease number of passes required to switch play
• Central 2 defenders cannot block through passes (lower age/ability)

• Quality Passing - Weight, Timing, Accuracy
• Play with head up - scan
• Movement from teammates
• Angles/Distance of Support
• Communication

• Nearest player presses
• 2nd/3rd player covers/gives balance
• 'High to low' & 'Fast to slow' on approach to the attacker
• Show wide/away from goal

• Quick reaction to transition
• Can we pass forward/score quickly (attack)
• Can we regroup quickly (defence)

• How can you create space for your teammate on the ball?
• What sort of movement or run can you make?
• Where is the space on the field?
• Which defender should press first and why?
• What is the other defender doing?
• How can we create space near the opponent's goal?

Phase of Play (20 mins)

Organisation:

• 12-16 players 
• Red team start by attacking the blue team goal or with mini-goals.
• If the blues regain possession they look to score within 10 seconds. 

Modify:

• Add players - e.g. 15/18 outfield players
• Add jokers
• If no goalkeepers (or only 1) use mini goals on either or both ends.

Attacking KP's:

• Quality Passing - Accuracy, Weight & Timing
• +1 in Build Up phase
• Width & Depth
• High tempo, low touches
• Engage 1st line of pressure

Defending KP's:

• Pressing - who, where, when
• Cover & Balance of supporting defending
• Compactness
• Communication
• Delay

Transition KP's:

• Quick reactions
• Decision making on winning possession - play safe or play forward?
• Decision making on losing possession - aggressive press or drop off?

Questions:

• What attacking principles are we working on here?
• What defensive principles are we working on here?