Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Formations and Number System

4-4-2 / 4-3-3

Roles of Each Player in 11v11 in Build-up Phase: 1-4-4-2 with Flat Four Midfielder. This system can also become a 4-3-3 by pushing the 7 & 11 higher and having the #10 drop in underneath.

#1: Role of the Goal Keeper: keepers should learn how to support the back line in possession, how to distribute and be the first line of attack instead of just punt the ball long. Keepers need to learn to pass the ball on goal kicks rather than just kick it long.

#4&5: Role of the Center Backs: The back line plays a vital role in possession. The defenders need to learn how to support the midfield in possession, how to make the field big and how to help relieve pressure. The defense also plays a crucial role in switching the point of attack.

#6 Role of the Center Midfield: the number 6 & 8 players dictate the rhythm of possession. They need to learn how to support the attack from behind the ball and read each other's movements. They are Interchangeable Parts which required awareness and mobility. They should never be flat.

#2, #3, #7 & #11 Role of the Wide Players: Players 2, 3, 7 & 11 provide width and penetration. They need to learn to stay wide and open body to the field and provide support to the midfielders. The Outside back and Outside midfielder need to understand their relationship and never be on the same vertical line when we have possession. If the Outside midfielder comes in to get the ball then the outside back takes the width and vice versa.

#9 & #10 Role of the Two - Forwards: One of these Players preferably the #9 needs to provide depth and needs to learn to stretch the field and stay high and central and be available for the long pass option from the back. The other forward preferably #10 needs to look to check into the pockets of space by peeling off defenders and linking with the 6 & 8. These two need to be unpredictable and vary their movements to unbalance the defense.

1-3-4-3 Offensive Responsibilities

1-3-4-3 Offensive Responsibilities for Each Position

GK (#1)- very composed when playing from the back, always in a position of support in case backs need an outlet.

CB (#6)- also a composed player who's always in a position of support to HM and OB's. This player needs to act as a holding midfielder when we build out of the back.

RCB/LCB #4&5 - these players are critical if we are to have any success in building from the back. Must be able to make quick decision on the ball and be composed under pressure.

RM/LM #2&3 - these players are our outlets. They can control the tempo of the game. Will need to be good decision makers as to when to go forward with passes into the streaking forwards, but will also need to know when to step on the ball and play into HM or CBs to keep possession if nothing forward it on.

HM's #7&8 - always needs to be in a position of support with all players on the field. This player needs to composed on the ball and understand proper spacing in relational to her teammates and the ball. Must also be able to hit 30-40 yard balls accurately to outside mids to start the attack.

AM - this player must love the ball and should be always trying to find gaps and space 'between the lines'. The more this player can turn and face the opposition back line, the more opportunities she will help our team to create.

RF/CF/LF: these three players are a unit. Must be selfless to make runs even if they don't they'll get the ball. Must be aggressive when they have the ball to go straight to goal. Must always have good communication with other forwards to combine and play off of them. The front three need to have a good understanding and communciation between each other. They are also encouraged to interchange positions in the game. These three are connected and always looking to get in behind defenses with their runs or turning and facing the opposition back line.

CF/ST: needs to always occupy space between the two center backs offensively, can even start behind their line of sight in 'offside' position to begin with. Then make runs off of that.

3-5-2 Positions and their defensive responsibilities (30 mins)

1-3-5-2 Positions

GK - Goalkeeper - must play high line and comfortable playing a sweeper role. Good communicator with back line and vision to anticipate any breakdowns

RB - Right back - great 1v1 defender, aggressive and understands how to provide cover and balance

CB- Center back - The most important player in the back three. Doesn't have to be the most athletic but has to know how to read the game and communicate with entire team. #1 most important characteristic is communication!

LB - Left back - great 1v1 defender, aggressive and understands how to provide cover and balance

RM- Right mid - great 1v1 defender and must always provide balance with "fishhook" for weakside outside back. Good positional understanding

HM - Holding mid - must play always try to be Goal Side (in line between the ball and the goal) or else the whole line collapses. Only way opposing team can split us is if you’re not in position. Against a 2 front HM is 10 yards off of the three, against a 3 front you’re 7 yards off the 3 backs. HM can go sideline to sideline, tackling everything you can.

AM- Attacking mids : the two AM's must have a high work rate, and pressure all over the field. They need to stay connected defensively.Will need to double down in all areas of the field. If ball gets played past them, they need to turn, sprint and Double Down. Doesn't have to be the quickest but an extremely hard worker.

LM - Left mid: great 1v1 defender and must always provide balance with "fishhook" for weakside outside back. Good positional understanding

FW- Forward: has to be ready to double down to anything in their area and understand how to position themselves between the two center-backs. Extremely hard worker as well.

FW - Forward: has to be ready to double down to anything in their area. Extremely hard worker as well.