Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Attacking Transition (Start Time: 2014-02-20 15:05:00)

4 vs. 2 to 2 vs. 2 (15 mins)

Organization:

Play in a total area of 20 X 30 yards - two areas of 20 x 15 yards

Activity:

Play starts with a 4 v. 2 possession game. When the two inside players win the ball, they play 2 v. 2 in the other half, to try and score. Should the two defenders (Blue) win the ball, they quickly play the ball back to the original grid, and the two original defenders return back to the grid to defend.

Variations:

-Limit touches to attacking team

-If waiting defenders (Blue) allows a goal, they become defenders in the first zone

Coaching Points:

-Possession team (Red) maintain possession of the ball by offering good support

-Defending team (Black) defend as unit. Limit penetrating passes. Once the ball is won, transition quickly try to score

8 vs. 8 Breakout to Goal (15 mins)

Organization:

Use three equal zones on a full field of 30 - 35 yards.

Activity:

Play 8 v. 8 with keepers. Teams play possesstion in the middle third of the field. When there is a turnover, the deepest player on the attacking team makes a run towards goal and finishes on frame. Goalkeeper plays ball back into the middle to restart game.

Variations:

-Limit the amount of touches in the middle third to promote speed of play.

-Add further attackers and defenders as apart of the transition to goal.

Coaching Points:

-Timing of the run and the ball being delivered

-Player who wins ball looks up field to find the running player

-The team that loses the ball, applies immediate pressure on the ball to prevent a through ball.

Three Team Transition (20 mins)

Organization:

Three even numbered teams, two goals with keepers, with the field set up into three zones.

Activity:

Team 1 will attack, Team 2 will defend, and Team 3 will wait. Team 1 attacks the goal and if Team 2 wins the ball, they attack Team 3. Teams may regroup in the middle zone. If attacking team scores, they maintain possession and attacks the third team.

Variations:

-Attacking team in the middle zone is allowed no time to gain there shape.

Coaching Points:

-Possession when the attack is not on.

-When possession is lost, transition into defense