Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Midfield build up play and Passing Patterns in a 4-2-3-1

Passing Patterns MF 4-2-3-1 (15 mins)

Midfield build up play passing patterns

* Using just over half the pitch the Red team are set up in a 2-3-1 formation

* The drill always starts with the coach (acting a red team CB) passing the ball into midfield

* The set up of the Red team is in a transitional shape by where they have just won the ball back and are looking to play forward quickly

* Red team looking to play the various passing patterns ending with a shot at goal

* Once the ball goes dead / a goal is scored the red team immediately retreat back to their starting positions (getting back into a defensive shape as if they have lost the ball in the final third)

* The 2 Blue team CB's can defend the ball in the penalty area creating opposition to the attacking final ball

* The Red team are to have a maximum of 3 touches in order to move the ball quickly

Pattern 1

6/8 - 10 - 7/11 - to deliver a quality ball into the penalty area

Pattern 2

6/8 - 9 - 10 - 11/7 - to deliver a quality ball into the penalty area

Pattern 3

6/8 - 10 - 9 - 10 - 11/7 - to deliver a quality ball into the penalty area

Pattern 4

6/8 - 11/7 - 10 - 11/7 who are on the move - to deliver a quality ball into the penalty area

Pattern 5

6/8 - 11/7 - to deliver a quality ball into the box

Pattern 6

6/8 - 11/7 - 9 -10 who should look to try and hit the target with a shot

Runs to be made by players when the ball goes out wide

9 = Attack the front post srea

10 = Attack central area of the penalty spot

11/7 = Opposite winger to attack the back post - run must be made early when ball goes out wide on opposite side

8 = Just outside the edge of the penalty area topick up any loose ball

6 = To sit deep centrally to be in a position to prevent any counter attacks

* Walk through patterns to start and then full speed

* Also encourage players to make own decisions and play what they see

* Patterns are there to help build pictures of movements and pitch geography when we have the ball

* Three Blue CM's can be added to create realism to the drill

Key Coaching Points

- Quality of passing

- Types of passing

- Quality of crossing

- Timing of runs

- Team shape with and without the ball

- Passing patterns

- Speed of passing