Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Attacking from the Flank

Warmup - Overlap, Cross and Finish (15 mins)

Organization:

25x35 area, cones set up as shown. One player starts at each of three cones, A, B, and C. Ditto other side. GK in goal. Remaining players line up at the two A cones. Extra balls at A cones.

Instructions:

1. A passes to B then runs an overlap around B.

2. B plays a set pass back to C.

3. C plays to A on the overlap.

4. B and C make runs to goal.

5. A plays a cross into the box for B or C to finish.

After the sequence is completed the other side (yellow cones) begins.

Rotation: A-B-C-then switch to the other side.

Coaching Points:

B - Check back hard for the ball.

C - Play the overlapping player in stride on his lead foot

A - Look at target then head down to play the cross

B/C - Hold your runs into the box

B/C - Vary the runs (near post vs. far post).

Communicate! Call for the ball, point to where you want it.

Progressions:

P - All passes are played first time.

Expanded Game (25 mins)

Organization:

Half field. 8v7+GK. Use cones to mark out wide channels the width of the box. One player from each team stays in each channel. Offsides rule in effect.

Instructions:

- Whites are attacking the goal.

- If Whites complete 5 consecutive passes they can send an extra player into the wide channel for a 2v1 advantage.

- No one else is allowed in the wide channels.

- Two-touch limit in the wide channels.

- Ball must enter the wide channel before Whites are allowed to score.

- Blues score by dribbling over the mid-line.

Coaching Points:

- Look to create 2v1 advantages wide.

- Look for the overlap wide.

- Use stop-starts on the wing to create space to cross.

- Hold your run until the server puts his head down to strike.

- Look for pockets of space to drift into.

- Attack the space.

Progressions: