Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Speed of Play

4v2+2 Speed of Play (15 mins)

Organization:

12x15 Grid

4 pairs of players

4 mini goals

Game:

• Eight players are divided into four pairs. Two teams, Red, Blue a on the inside of a small playing area, in possession.  The yellow team is working the outside of the box to provide extra players to play from. A fourth pair Blue will start in the middle, as shown.
• The coach begins by passing into one of the in possession players. The six outside players should look to keep the ball against a press from the two inside players for as long as possible. They must also ensure it is transferred to the opposite side of the pitch every five seconds.  If not, possession is lost and team inside chooses who is in next.   KEY TO KEEP TIME, COUNTDOWN IF NEEDED.
  
• The two defenders must attempt to win the ball or disrupt possession as quickly as possible. If they win it back and have controlled possession, they should try and and score in one of the four mini-goals an example of this is shown in Diagram 1.
  
• If the defenders successfully score in one of the mini-goals, they can choose any team of two to become the defenders
• If the ball is intercepted by the two defenders and the ball goes out of play, the team of two that gave possession away will become the defenders
  
• These changeovers should be done quickly. The coach will pass a ball into one of the possession team of six as soon as a goal is scored, a pass is intercepted or the ball goes out of the area. 
• Each working block lasts for four minutes. 3 blocks - 12 mins ball rolling time.
  

CP's:

• The players must ensure the ball is switched to the opposite half of the pitch within 5 seconds. Players should look to use a maximum of 3 touches to ensure this condition is met.
• Passes with good weight and direction throughout the possession games. This will limit the chances of any interceptions or losses of possession
  
• The in-possession team must constantly be adjusting their positions to ensure a passing option is always on for the player in possession. This should not be in straight lines if possible.
•  Players may need to make counter-movements in order to create a new passing line if one is closed off by the defenders.