Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Attackers defending within a 9v9 game with transition to attack

9v9 (30 mins)

Method:

• 9v9 game
• Coaching red team
• Sections of the pitch narrowed (cones where lines are depicted in the diagram)
• Red setup in GK-4-3-3
• White in GK-4-3-3

Coaching Points:

• Establish tight lines (compact depth) and compact width
• Look for triggers e.g. ball to defender with back to play, square ball, loose touch, etc.
• Communicate press (multiple players) 
• The individual angle of approach, speed of approach, body shape, prevent forward play, force them long, etc. 
• CMs screen passing lanes, Fs initiate press and move as a unit to cut off 1st and second ball 
• Upon gaining possession, is there a shot on? is there a forward pass on? what is the most dangerous position we can get into? 
• Dispersal upon regaining possession

Phase of Play (20 mins)

Method:

Phase of play 

Red 3 Fs, 3 Ms and 2 CBs

White GK, 4Ds, 3Ms

Restarts with white building up from the GK

Coaching Points:

• Reds to shift across as the ball moves 
• Tight between F and M lines
• Ms screening passing lanes
• CBs stepping to communicate and watch for long balls into dangerous areas
• Pressure by 1 turning to Press by many based on triggers such as back to play, poor touch, poor pass, etc.
• Body positioning on approach, angle on approach, speed of approach
• Delay, deny, deflect/defend
• Opportunity for quick attack transition: is the shot on? is a dangerous pass on? what is our greatest chance of success on the transition?

Warm-up: PhysPrep (10 mins)

Method:

Neural and Physical Prep

• Movements to prepare for defending movements e.g. jockeys, carioca, fast feet, shuffles, etc.