Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 4 v 2 Refined Build-Up Transition Game (Start Time: 2023-10-05 19:30:00)

Warm-Up

Duration: 15mins

Warm-Up:

On entry, I allow the guys to pass to each other until it's time to start training

Once all players have arrived, we go into first warm-up as shown. I get the players to go for laps but also going from the back to the front of the line on my whistle. With calls for high pace stride at the last quarter of a lap. Calls for jumps, left and right hands apply also here.

Stretch:

Take time to Stretch as a group and get all players to call each stretch to allow for people to get outside themselves. Allow players to do any specific stretch's if needed.

Sprints:

These are called by me, I normally call on players to watch their footing so no sliding allowed as it slows the player down to be doing so. Example calls are the following: Cones are numbered 1-4 as shown above e.g. 1, 2, 1 followed by 2,1, 3 and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 4, 3, 2, 1 and to finish on 1, 2, 1 , 4 straight out.

Another stretch and water before we go into the next session.

Build-Up Play Transition to Attack (20 mins)

Duration: 15mins

Method:

• Teams with a GK are required to build-up play with opposing team working off the ball to close down space and gain possession of the ball itself if possible and transition too score.
• Team with GK score by passing the ball through the cones (signifying build-up play is complete)
• Coach and/or player positioned between the two cone's to receive and pass ball between the cones, which will count as a goal
• Coach and/or player will pass ball to the opposing team for transition, which is done with pace to ensure space has been utilized in the transition

Coaching Points:

• Asking players to stay switched on throughout, with particular attention in the transition
• Transition provides increased tempo and fatigue
• Ensure the area is marked as shown to decrease area for smaller numbers
• Center backs are informed to treat as an in match situation i.e. maintain position, otherwise it can turn into a basic 4 v 2
• Not only was it beneficial in relation to defending but also in support play and ensuring the player in position has an option or two to find at any one time.