Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Tactical Games - Attacking

Transition Through the Central Zone

Organization:

7-7 to 11-11 Game.

Adjust pitch size/shape as needed.

Clearly marked central zone (full width of playing area).

Instructions:

Regular game rules.

One forward from each team and one center back from each team must stay outside the central zone at all times. (Depending on numbers this may be two forwarda and two center backs each)

Only two attacking players may exit the central zone (ball must cross first) and one defender making it a 3v2 going to goal.

Once exiting the central zone the attacking team has 7 seconds to score or possession is turned over.

Coaching Points/Questions:

Looking to get players, particurally wide ones on the move and all players thinking about how they support the attack. As well creating a scoring chance quickly when we break the line.

Regressions/Progressions:

Progression - Mandate that in order to leave the central zone players must pass to their forward first.

Regression - Adjust time as needed for scoring once exiting the central zone. And/or allow more than one defender to recover.

Progrersssion - Remove the restrictions to the forward(s) and center back(s). All players are now free to move wherever they like at any time. The restriction now is that the either team may not possess the ball in the central zone for more than 7 seconds or it results in a turnover. Here we want to emphasize moving quickly through the central area and creating a chance or recycling for a new attack.

Using the Red Zone to Create Scoring Opportunities

Organization:

Full half of the field if possible.

Two counter goals at midfield just inside the center circle.

Red Zone (Zone 23) outlined with flat markers.

Balls placed both at the large goal and at midfield for restarts.

Instructions:

Regular game with Focus team scoring on the large goal and Challenge team scoring on the two mini goals.

If Focus scores or assists from within the Red Zone its worth two points.

Coaching Points/Questions:

Regressions/Progressions:

Progression:

If Challenge can score within 5 seconds of recovering the ball its worth two points.

8v6 Open Play

Organization:

Full width and length up to the center circle.

Two mini counter goals and one large goal.

Challenge team in a 1-3-4

Focus team in a 1-5-1

Balls at top, large goal, and sides.

Offsides in effect for Focus team, but not Challenge.

Instructions:

Focus team scores in the large goal.

Challenge team scores in the two counter goals.

Coach plays as a passive attacker (helps moves the ball but nothing else) and steps off when defending.

Coaching Points/Questions:

Regressions/Progressions: