Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Session 5 - Attacking up the left side of the pitch

Warm Up (15 mins)

Duration - 16 minutes

Area Needed - Centre Circle

Objective - To prepare the players for a technical attacking session using relevant football actions and dynamic stretches

Method:

• Players are split into 2 teams of 8
• 4 from each team start inside circle, 4 from each team start on perimeter of circle
• Blue Team try to keep possession and can use their team mates on the outside
• Red Team try to win back the ball and score into any of the 4 goals - they can also use their team mates on the outside
• 4 x 3 minute rounds, with 1 of dynamic stretching after each round
• Players rotate in and out of circle after each round

Coaching Points:

• increase tempo by limiting touches for rounds 3 and 4
• look for defending team to work together inside grid when out of possession 
• encourage quick transitions

9 v 9 match - focus on left sided attacks (20 mins)

Game: 9 v 9 match with focus on building left sided attacks

Duration: 20 minutes 

Area Needed: Full width of pitch, length is from goal line to just over halfway line

Objective: To build attacks up left side of the pitch, with transitions to defend

Method:

• 9 v 9 match
• 1-3-2-3 vs 1-3-2-3
• Both teams look to work ball to left full backs to start wide attacks
• Transition to defence when possession is lost

Coaching Points:

• Establish controlled possession to set point of attacks
• Full backs and Wingers link up using overlaps/underlaps to penetrate final third
• Opposite flanks support centrally by adjusting position based on point of attack
• Transition runs to close gaps between units when possession is lost

• Did the goalkeeper and CB establish controlled possession to start attacks?
• Did we create overloads in wide areas using full backs supporting wingers?
• Did the CMs rotate movement to create space and combination opportunities?
• Did CF maintain depth to stretch pitch and opposition?
• Did right wingers become second strikers when attacks went up left flank?
• Did we become more confident is trying to build left sided attacks?