Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Curving Runs When Pressing 27/8 (Start Time: 2020-08-27 17:15:00)

Details

Main moment

- BPO

Key principle

- Intelligent pressing

What?

- When the sides of the diamond press in our attacking to middle thirds, we often allow the opposition to pass inside in the way we press where if we curve our runs to block that inside lane, we can do two jobs in one movement.

Who?

- Sides of the diamond - 8's

When?

- When the opposition get the ball in wide areas in our attacking and middle third, whether it be their fullbacks or wingers getting on the ball.

Where?

- In our front to middle thirds, predominantly in wide areas.

Why?

- If we can curve our runs when pressing to block off any inside pass, we've done two jobs in one movement and the opposition ball carrier won't have many options other then going long.

Session objective

- In todays session, I aim to improve my teams ability to curve runs when pressing in order to stop them from playing a ball inside which often kills our midfield.

Passing Practice (25 mins)

Players involved

- All players 

- 4 x groups of 4

Size

- 30x20 meter area

- Each smaller area = 15x10 meters

Timing

- 15 minutes total with dynamics incorporated

Scoring method

- Group(both pairs) with the most balls won at the end of the round

Starts/restarts

- Balls will be spread around the area

- Once the ball is won, other groups should be ready with a ball

Rules/explanation

- 1 group starts as the defenders but working in pairs

- First pair will press a group while others wait in the smaller box in the middle of the area

- Once first pair win the ball, second pair will then press another group

- Working for 2 minutes each group

Progression

- Only 1 ball between all 3 outside groups

- Must go through the middle man(Chase) to switch the other group

- Defenders must curve runs to block off pass into the middle to stop switch

Dynamics and/or injury prevention

- Every 3 minutes - dynamics for 30 seconds

- At the end of passing practice - leg swings and calf pumps

Game Training (25 mins)

Players involved

- All players

Red - Ben(LB), Callum(RB)

Harry(6), Louis(8), Ross(8), Nick(10)

Cruz(9), Jacob(9)

Blue - Lyndon(RB), Oscar(CB), Mal(LB)

Jack(6), Josh(8), Carter(10)

Chase(9)

GK - Aaron

Size

- Half field area

Timing

- 15-20 minutes

Team shape(us - red)

- In and out of possession 4-2+1

Team shape(them - blue)

- In and out of possession

3-3+1

Scoring method

- Must go through either outside channel then into the joker before scoring = 1 point

- If you can win the ball off outside man = 2 points

Starts/restarts

- Blues will start from their goal

- Reds will start every few

Rules/explanation

- Must go through the outside players and then into the joker before you can score

- Bouncers have unlimited touches but must stay in the channel

- Swap direction after every 4 minute set

- Only one defender can step out to press the players in the outside channel

Team task

- To prevent the players in the outside channel a free pass inside by curving runs when pressing

Player tasks

- When the opposition play to a bouncer, can you check your shoulder when pressing the bouncer to see where the joker is and cut off the passing lane into him?

- As you approach the bouncer with a sprint, can you keep your feet moving to influence him towards your second defender if you can't win the ball?

- Can the second defender ensure he is blocking lane into his direct opponent whilst also being close enough to ensure he can cover if the first defender is beaten?

- Can the second or third defender communicate to the first defender as he presses the bouncer to ensure he is blocking passing lanes into the joker?

Coaching cues

- As you press the bouncer, check your shoulder on your way out so you can block the passing lane into the joker whilst also shutting the ball down with intent to win it.

- If you can't win the ball off the bouncer, ensure you keep your feet moving to influence him towards your second defender to limit his options.

- As the first defender presses the bouncer, ensure the second defender is in a position where he can block a pass into his direct opponent whilst also being close enough to cover if the first defender gets beaten.