Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Final third (Start Time: 2024-10-07 16:30:00)

FAW Coach Ed

Jun Chan

Profile Summary

Name:	Jun Chan
City:	Pontypridd
Country:	United Kingdom
Membership:	Adult Member
Sport:	Football/Soccer

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Description

Topic: Final Third – Understanding when and how to combine, create, and finish in the attacking third of the pitch.

Overview (1 hour)

Specific Practice (20 minutes)

2 blocks: 8 minutes work + 2 minutes rest per block

Focus: In-possession team combines from midfield into the final third and looks to finish on goal.

Small-Sided Game (SSG) (20 minutes)

2 blocks: 8 minutes work + 2 minutes rest per block

Focus: Match-related 7v7 scenario on a half pitch, reinforcing final-third play.

Specific Practice into Small-Sided Game (20 minutes)

2 blocks: 8 minutes work + 2 minutes rest per block

Focus: Transition directly from a specific practice setup into an SSG to consolidate learning under realistic pressure.

Learning Objectives (Outcomes)

Objective 1: Players will demonstrate the ability to create width and depth effectively in the final third to receive and deliver the final pass.
Objective 2: Players will show confidence in risk-taking and decision-making when combining with teammates to break defensive lines.
Objective 3: Players will improve finishing skills under pressure, ensuring clinical execution in front of goal.

Organization & Formations

Pitch Area: Half pitch.
Total Players: 14 (7 in-possession vs. 7 out-of-possession).
In-Possession Team (4-2-3-1)
Withdrawn (not on the pitch): GK, LB, RB, RCB
On the pitch: ST (CF), LAM, RAM, CAM, LDM, RDM, LCB
Out-of-Possession Team (4-4-2)
Withdrawn (not on the pitch): LST, RST, LW, RW
On the pitch: GK, LB, LCB, RCB, RB, LCM, RCM

Conditions:

A big goal for the out-of-possessionteam to defend (the in-possession team attacks this goal).
Two small mini-goals at the halfway line for the out-of-possessionteam to attack if they regain possession.
The ball always restarts from the center circle by the in-possessionteam whenever it goes out of play.
Emphasis on realistic pitch geography and positional roles.

Roles & Responsibilities (Examples)

In Possession (When Resetting Play)
LCB stands centrally in the center circle area to initiate play.
LDM and RDM position themselves slightly ahead, looking to receive quickly (depth).
CAM positions between the lines, ready to receive in pockets.
LAM and RAM provide width high and wide, in line with the defensive midfielders but near the attacking third.
ST (CF) stays advanced on the shoulder of the defenders, ready for through passes

Out of Possession (When Resetting Play)
GK stands in the big goal, organizing defenders.
LB and RB position themselves slightly wide and deeper to cover space.
LCB and RCB stay central and compact, watching for runs.
LCM and RCM screen and press the midfield area.
Once the ball travels to a wide area (e.g., LAM), the nearest fullback (e.g., RB) applies immediate pressure.

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): specific practice

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specific practice (20 mins)

Setup:

Half pitch.

In-possession team (LCB, LDM, RDM, CAM, LAM, RAM, ST) vs. out-of-possession team (GK, LB, LCB, RCB, RB, LCM, RCM).

Ball starts at the center circle with LCB.

Objective: Combine through midfield to create scoring opportunities in the final third.

Block 1 (8 minutes work + 2 minutes rest):

Challenge (In Possession): Must complete at least two forward passes before a shot on goal.
Condition (In Possession): LAM and RAM must remain in wide channels until receiving the ball (promoting width).
Target (In Possession): Try to score within 8 seconds of entering the final third (promoting quick decision-making).
Key Coaching Points (Width & Depth, Risk-Taking, Final Pass, Finishing):
-Width & Depth: LAM and RAM positioned wide to stretch opponents; ST stays high.
-Risk-Taking: CAM to attempt penetrative passes when space opens.
-Final Pass: Timing of through ball from CAM or RDM/LDM to ST.
-Finishing: Accuracy and composure under pressure once inside the penalty area.

Block 2 (8 minutes work + 2 minutes rest):

Possible Progression: Limit touches for midfielders to encourage quick ball movement.
Regression (if struggling): Allow an extra support player (floating neutral) to help maintain possession in midfield.
Coaching Interventions:
-Freeze: Coach stops play to highlight body positioning for the CAM receiving between lines.
-Walkthrough: Players slowly move through the intended passing sequence.
-Bullseye: Coach praises accurate final passes and finishing.
-Concurrent: Coach offers immediate feedback as play continues (e.g., “Good idea, next time check your shoulder before passing”).

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): LSG

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LSG (20 mins)

Setup:

7v7 on half pitch with a big goal for out-of-possession team to defend and two mini-goals for in-possession team to lose the ball if they regain (they then attack mini-goals).

Normal rules, offside line is the halfway line.

Ball restarts from the center circle by the in-possession team’s LCB.

Block 1 (8 minutes work + 2 minutes rest):

Challenge (In Possession): Team must attempt at least one combination play (1-2, wall pass) before shooting.
Condition (In Possession): Only two touches allowed for LAM and RAM when receiving the ball wide (encourages quick decision).
Target (In Possession): Aim to score within 10 seconds after crossing the halfway line.
Key Coaching Points (Width & Depth, Risk-Taking, Final Pass, Finishing):
-Width & Depth: Quick transition from midfield to attacking zones, LAM and RAM staying wide.
-Risk-Taking: Encourage creative dribbles or 1-2 combos around the box.
-Final Pass: Timing and accuracy of the pass to ST inside the box.
-Finishing: Shoot with conviction; choose placement or power based on scenario.

Block 2 (8 minutes work + 2 minutes rest):

Progression: Add a points system (2 points for a first-time finish, 1 point for a normal goal) to increase finishing quality.
Regression (if struggling): Remove the two-touch condition for wide players to allow more control.
Coaching Interventions:
-Freeze: Emphasize the moment of transition from midfield to final third.
-Concurrent: Highlight good decision-making in real time (“Excellent movement off the ball, keep it up!”).

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): SP into LSG

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SP into LSG (20 mins)

Setup:

Start again in a structured specific practice shape (LCB plays into midfield). On coach’s signal, let play flow into a small-sided game format with all normal rules.

Purpose: Consolidate final-third principles under more match-like pressures immediately after a structured build-up.

Block 1 (8 minutes work + 2 minutes rest):

Challenge (In Possession): Players must execute at least one overlapping run from LAM or RAM to create a cutback opportunity.
Condition (In Possession): ST must receive one pass inside the penalty area before any shot can be taken.
Target (In Possession): Score within 8 seconds after winning possession in midfield (focus on quick transitions).
Key Coaching Points (Width & Depth, Risk-Taking, Final Pass, Finishing):
Movement Off the Ball: LDM or RDM supporting quickly under the ball to maintain possession.
Forward Runs: ST and CAM timing runs to attack space behind defenders.
Combination Play: Encourage 1-2s or overlapping/underlapping runs from wide areas.
Clinical Finishing: Hit the target and follow up on rebounds.

Block 2 (8 minutes work + 2 minutes rest):

Progression: Introduce a scoring bonus (e.g., 2 goals if the ball is won in midfield and finished within 5 passes).
Regression (if struggling): Allow a floater or reduce defensive pressure by restricting out-of-possession players’ pressing zones.
Coaching Interventions:
Freeze: Stop play to show correct spacing between midfielders and attackers.
Walkthrough: Slowly demonstrate how the ST and CAM create space by pulling defenders away before receiving.
Bullseye: Coach praises successful creative plays that lead to shots on target.

Two Example Strategies/Executions for a Creative Attack

Strategy 1: Overlapping Wide Play

RAM receives the ball near the halfway line, stands wide on the right flank.
RDM moves into a supportive position slightly inside, creating a passing channel.
RAM plays a quick pass into RDM and immediately makes an overlapping run behind the out-of-possession LB.
RDM returns a through pass down the line for RAM, who drives toward the penalty area.
ST drifts near the penalty spot for a cutback pass. CAM supports the edge of the box for any rebounds.

Strategy 2: Central Combination & Through Pass

LCB initiates play from the center circle, passing to LDM in a slightly advanced position.

LDM takes one touch forward and passes to CAM who has positioned between the LCM and RCM.

CAM plays a quick wall pass with ST (1-2) at the top of the box.

ST lays the ball back into CAM’s path.

CAM either shoots directly or slips a through ball to the oncoming LAM for a first-time finish.

Technical and Tactical Coaching Points

Technical:

First Touch: Ensure a positive first touch toward goal or into space.

Passing Accuracy: Weight of pass into feet or space to maintain attacking momentum.

Body Shape: Open body to face forward and spot potential runs.

Shooting Technique: Head over the ball for power or side foot for accuracy.

Tactical:

Creating Overloads: Use LDM and RDM to create numerical advantages in midfield.

Exploiting Space: CAM recognizes gaps between lines; ST and wingers recognize when to run in behind.

Decision-Making: Choose when to go through, around, or over the defensive block.

Transitions: Immediately look for quick forward passes when the ball is won in midfield

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SP into LSG (20 mins)

Physical Corner (Work-to-Rest Ratios & Energy Systems)

Work-to-Rest Ratio: 8 minutes work + 2 minutes rest (1:0.25 ratio). This format trains both aerobic capacity and anaerobic conditioning.
Energy System Usage: Primarily anaerobic lactic during high-intensity bursts (sprints, quick transitions), supported by aerobic recovery during rest phases.

Social Corner Tools

Team Meetings: Brief huddle before each block to clarify roles, communicate strategy, and encourage peer feedback.
Captains: Assign a captain in each group (in-possession/out-of-possession) to lead on-field communication.
Problem-Solving Tasks: Challenge players to adapt strategies (e.g., how to create space if defenders press high).

Psychological Corner (Conditions, Targets, Challenges)

Scoreboard: Tally goals scored by the in-possession team vs. goals scored by the out-of-possession team in the mini-goals.
Individual Challenges: For example, ask CAM to attempt at least three penetrating passes per block.
Group Challenge: Achieve at least 5 shots on target per block.

Progressions & Regressions (Width & Depth, Risk-Taking, Final Pass, Finishing)

Progression: Decrease time on the ball or add bonus points for quick combinations and first-time finishes.
Regression: Remove restrictive conditions (e.g., limit on touches) or add a floating neutral to maintain possession more easily.

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