Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): GLEN ROCK U13 SESSION 3 Pressure / Cover

Warm-Up (10 mins)

Organization:

-5x5 area

-2 players per grid

Instructions:

- Players tap hands to initiate game

- Players try to tap each other's knees in order to score a point

- If player gets "pushed" out of area, point for his opponent

Coaching Points:

- Body shape / position (bent knees, on toes, quick movements)

- When to tackle / delay

Progressions:

- World Cup, Promotion / Relegation set-up. Winners move up, Losers move down.

Flying 3v3 - Pressure / Cover - Delay / Tackle (15 mins)

Organization:

1. 40 x 35 yds.

2. 2 teams of six (in groups of 3's).

3. 2 Goalkeepers

Instructions:

1. Player 1 plays Player 2.

2. Player 2 drives inside allowing player 1 to overlap into space created outside.

3. Player's 1, 2 and 3 attack 3 (Players 4,5 and 6) blue defenders.

4. When ball goes out of play or goal is scored (Players 1,2,3), 3 blue defenders return to lines, 3 new blue attackers (Players 7,8,9) repeat above process going at the 3 white defenders that have just lost the ball (as illustrated above).

5. Players A, B and C will attack once ball goes out / goal is scored again.

Coaching Points:

1. Communication - urgent, loud, and specific.

2. Technique of 1st defender (angle / speed of approach, body shape, etc.)

3. Angle and Distance of cover based on angle / distance of 1st def., attackers, and area of field.

4. Compactness - don't get stretched, split, or leave space to play down line - deny penetration

5. Transition to defense - delay / tackle - do I have support?

6. Recognition when outnumbered, can I delay until other defenders have recovered.

Progression:

1. Defenders too successful - Player that shoots / loses ball goes off of field, defend with only 2 players.

Regression:

1. Attackers too successful - Touch requirement (will give defenders more time to find appropriate positions.)

6v6 to Goal - Small Sided Game (25 mins)

Organization:

- 6v6 small-sided to goal

Instructions:

- Players play 6v6 to goal.

Coaching Points:

1. Communication - urgent, loud, and specific.

2. Technique of 1st defender (angle / speed of approach, body shape, etc.)

3. Angle and Distance of cover based on angle / distance of 1st def., attackers, and area of field.

4. Compactness - don't get stretched, split, or leave space to play down line - deny penetration

5. Transition to defense - delay / tackle - do I have support?

6. Balancing Defender