Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Transition: Attack > Defense (9v9)

1v1 to Goal Transition Game (15 mins)

Organization:

The first person in line A dribbles forward and attempts to finish a 1 on 1 opportunity against the GK. As red strikes the ball a player from line B blue attacks the other goal and the player that just took the shot from line A must counter press and prevent Blue from scoring/penetrating. 

If the player in line A can counter-press/recover, win the ball back, and score a second 2nd chance shot. Game continuous once goal scored or ball goes out.

Coaching Points:

• Immediate change of speed to pressure the ball
• Take away the attackers angle for early shot, show them away from goal
• Anticipate to block the shot, engage physically when possible
• Transitional focus immediately upon taking shot
• Timing, angle and position of commitment to tackle
• Disrupt play
• Can't get early pressure, look to contain, direct
• Quick feet balanced and low/side on

3 team Transition to Def (20 mins)

Organization:

4 square Transition Game

3 Teams

4 Squares 20x20

Coach with all the soccer balls.

Red team starts with the ball- Green team is defending 5v2 or 4v1 dependent on numbers and level

Yellow team is spread out in the other grids.

Ball is played to the Red team. They must complete 3/4 or 5 passes then pass it to any of the yellows, All yellow players must get into that square with whom received and complete 5 passes and then look to find waiting team.  Green players on the outsides are allowed to intercept a pass going out to yellow.

1point= every successful pass out to team waiting

Transition- When the ball is stolen by Defending team they must play to the waiting team. Team who losses possession must apply immediate pressure to win back ball before leaving grid or work new press into new grid. The game continues...

Coaching Points

• Counter Press (disrupt)
• Communication
• 2nd defender role (cover, communicate and adjust ready to apply pressure/step in and win ball)
• How quick can we win back possession-dynamic and aggressive 
• Direct play towards 2nd defender and/or away from options
• Block, poke, hip or hook tackles (techniques)
• Side on and balanced with low balanced approach, light feet until tackle
• Anticipate play when possible to intercept

Condition Game (20 mins)

Gks 7v7

Ball is played into #9 from #6 to start, #9 will turn and look to shoot within 3 touches. Red look counter with #2/#3 dribbling/passing out and attacking Blue Goal upon shot (GK saves shot - releases ball to #2#3 immediately) Focus on Blue Pressing Shape vs Containing Shape (decision) - If blue win ball back from Red and score = 2goals

Defenders need to protect the goal, get goal side and ball side.

Use words like: 

• React, Counter Press
• Direct- Show Inside
• Be patient 1v1
• Move as a unit
• Can you block, poke or intercept

Coaching points

• Work together as a unit - High energy on Press
• When should we contain (e.g. no pressure on ball)
• Protect the goal at all costs (no foul), stay on feet until no other choice can be made!
• Stay compact and prevent big gaps between the lines
• Keep your feet moving
• Force attacks away from goal/sideways or backwards
• Constant communication on pressure, cover and balance
• Recovery Runs from all players
• Angle, timing and speed of recovery runs