Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defending the Overload (442 v 4231) - Specific into SSG

SSG

Set-Up

Coached: 1-4-4-2 minus STs -> 1-4-4-0

Oppo: 1-4-2-3-1 minus CBs -> 1-2-2-3-1

3 blocks of 4 minutes, 1 minute terminal interventions

Pitch marked with three channels to be used as reference points. Retreat line for full backs.

Balls positioned around pitch for different restart positions.

Coaching Details

Recognise opposition movement

Press quickly

Protect the middle

Leave the furthest players

Coaching Plan

Block 1 - Defending vs wide overloads

Block 2 - Defending vs central overloads

Block 3 - Consolidate understanding

Block 1 - Wide Overloads

Oppo 2v1 (FB & Winger vs FB). Ball side CM to go out to wide channel to press FB. FB puts pressure on winger. CDM mark ball side CM while cutting forward pass to ST. Far side CM to come onto inside shoulder of far side CM. CAM drop to protect the centre but in position to press CDM if needed. CBs move across to maintain distances, far side FB tuck inside.

Problem 1 - CM makes corner run. Organisation of passing over between CM/CB. Dependent on distances and organisation centrally.

Problem 2 - Opposition switches out to far side - re-organisation of shape. Same pressure on opposite side.

Problem 3 - Defending crosses - Defensive depth (protect space in behind, stay connected to midfield line), Body Shape (once dropped back to depth, open up to increase vision), Distances (ball side CB takes front post area, far side CB marks ST, far side FB narrows off, open up to track winger coming inside, marking of CM running into box, defending edge of box space). Defending low/cut-back crosses - importance of identifying runners. If CB go to 6 yard box, CDM to hold position to defend cut-back to penalty spot - if spare CM can hold position on edge of box.

Block 2 - Central Overloads

Oppo encouraged to play through centre.

Problem 1 - FB inverting into midfield (CDM jumps to CM, CM jumps onto FB, CBs tight on ST and look to intercept any passes into feet).

Problem 2 - ST dropping into midfield (CB stepping in or CDM picking up, determined by other movements)

Problem 3 - Winger rolling inside (FB narrows off initially, if opposition FB pushes high then CB or CDM to pick up winger, freeing FB to jump onto FB)

Challenges, Conditions, Targets

Oppo:

Only two of three deepest players (FBs and CDM) allowed ahead of retreat line in possession.

Block 1 - Assist from cross = 2 goals

Block 2 - Central assist = 2 goals

Coached:

Winning ball back without box entry = 1 point. 3 points = 1 goal.

Score within 5 seconds of winning ball back = 2 goals