Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): (PDP) Breaking the block 2

(PDP) Breaking the block 2

Practice organisation

• Area 65x44yds coned-off width of penalty area, extending into

opposite half on full-size pitch, with goals at each end, as illustrated.

• Main practice area divided into 2 zones 30x44yds, with a central

5yd pocket of space in middle, as a free zone.

• 16 players (incl. 2GK’s) working as two teams of 8, 1 ball.

• Each team is arranged in 2 groups of 4v3 in favour of Defending

team in each main zone.

• Practice starts with: GK rolls ball to D’s who play-out from back, with

opposing Attackers allowing possession.

• D’s (unopposed) look to feed pass into an advanced supporting

player, moving unopposed into free zone.

• Receiving player looks to turn & break defensive line with an incisive

pass or run with the ball at the defenders.

• Off-side rule applies.

• Objective is to create goal-scoring opportunities in free

play situations.

• Play resumes in opposite direction, from opposing GK.

Detail

• Area to relate to age & ability of players.

• Attention to receiving skills with open body shape.

• Control ball into desired space.

• Looking for disguised passes, with players electing

to use ground or aerial passes.

• Clever movement aimed at unbalancing & moving

D’s out of good defensive positions.

• Quality accurate passes into A’s.

• Simple progression for this practice is:

- Remove free zone & allow open play.

Key coaching points

• Early identification of space available.

• Weight & accuracy of pass.

• Intelligent movement & turning.

• Selecting whether to pass or run with ball to advance play.

• A’s dragging opponents tight, to then run behind.

• Threaten behind to receive to feet & turn.

• Creating & exploiting 1v1 situations using skill

& imagination.

• When to use quick play & one touch football.