Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): UEFA B: Defending from the front with 3 Strikers and 3 CMF (Start Time: 10-May-2015 10:25h)

Function (15 mins)

Organisation

- Balls behind blue GK's goal and behind blue target zone (on half way line).

- Area: One half a pitch (narrowed by 5 yards either side)

- Players: 14 Players incl. Blue GK. Set up as shown.

- Blue: 1 (GK) - 4 - 2 - 1 (would be 4-3-3 in 11 v. 11)

- Red: 3 - 3 (would be 4-3-3 in 11 v. 11)

- Reds are set up as shown. Reds must stop blue playing out, win the ball and score within 8

seconds.

- Blue's must play out and get ball into target player in zone on halfway line to score or 'drive' through

yellow cones.

Starting Points:

- Ball Starts with blue GK

- Fizzed in to Blue GK from an overhit pass from Red 4

Coaching Points

Reds: Out of Posession

- Reds must start at retreat line (to invite blues to play out).

- Red 9 splits (starts in between) two CB's.

- Red 9 must curve run or 'arrow' in an attempt to cut off pass to opposite CB or bounce back to GK

and show player on the ball outside.

- Consider strategy of how to defend when the full back has the ball, can we force them inside to

match them man for man. 11/7 will curve run goalside and show FB's back Inside.

- Opposite striker (7/11) will stay in between CB and FB to cover diagonal pass.

- Front two CMF go man for man.

- Red No. 4 will cover two CMF and screen blue teams target man.

- Wide strikers curve runs to show FBs inside into conjested area.

- 3 Reds CMs open body shape to cover potential passing options.

- Be positive/aggressive and press high at speed.

- Stay compact.

- Communication: 'Drop', 'Press', 'Arrow' etc.

- Read passing triggers.

** Adapt recovery positions if opposition break through first and second lines of defence**

Reds: In posession

- Attack the blue goal and get a shot off within 8 seconds.

Blue: In posession

- When GK has ball CB's split to edge of box, FBs go wide and get beyond blue cones (to make the pitch big).

- Rotation of CM 2 to make it difficult for Red 8 and 10 to mark. Think about double movements; go away to come back and receive.

Blue: Out of posession

- Become narrow and compact. Try to prevent red getting a shot off.

What If?

- If GK plays straight to FB, 7/11 will time run to reach FB on their first touch.

- If ball is switched via GK, 7/11 will show back inside... 8/10 moves across in between CM and FB.

- CB's split to edge of box. FBs go wide and get beyond markers. Cause problems/ask questions for 3 red Strikers.

The Coaching Process:

1. Observe the practice.

2. Diagnose problem; Ask questions... Why?

3. Recreate what happened...

4. Feedback; Ask questions... Why?

5. Rehersal of performance.

6. Play live.