Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Attacking principles

warm up. (15 mins)

Organization:

20x15 yard area

6 players - 2 attackers, 2 defenders and 2 target players (set up as shown)

1 ball

Instructions:

Teams plays 2v2 inside the area

The objective is to receive from one traget player and pass to the other

Target players have the option to pass to each other

If the defending team wins the ball they become the new attacking team

Play for a set time limit before rotating target players

Coaching Points:

Objective is to play forward so encourage target players to pass through when defenders are split

Players on the inside should focus on width and depth - one player check to the ball the other looks to stretch.

Body position when controlling the ball on the inside should be open - encourage players to check at angles to keep their body open.

Players on the outside need to focus on which foot to pass into - front foot if pressure is high, back foot if pressure is low.

Progressions:

Allow defending players to tackle outside players

Two touch limit on the outside

One touch limit on the inside

2 v 2 (15 mins)

Organization:

Same as previous screen.

Instructions:

Same as previous screen but once the red player exits the square (with a dribble or pass) then a blue player from square B can also defend to create a 2v2 situation.

Coaching Points:

Same as previous but speed of play is now important with a 2nd defender recovering to defend.

Progressions:

Time limit of 15 seconds to score once exiting the sqaure.

3 v 3 (20 mins)

Organization:

40x30 area.

mini goals.

Instructions:

Play to win

Coaching Points:

Quickly counter attack when getting possession and the 3v2 stuation exist.

Try isolate 3rd defender to create a 3v2 situation.

Find the 3rd attacker with a long pass.