Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Coach Midfield Players to Move into Goal-Scoring Positions (Start Time: 2017-09-17 09:05:00)

Phase of Play (25 mins)

Organization:

Attacking and middle thirds of the field. Full width. One main goal; two servers (S) in a narrow channel the length of the center circle (just past midfield). Two mini goals just outside the center circle. Blue and red pinnies. Collection of balls just outside the servers' box. 6 (red) vs. 7 (blue) - including GK. Blue play a 4-4-2. Red play a 4-3-3.

Procedure:

Play begins with either one of the Red serving players (S) taking a touch and playing a ball into their fellow server, who then plays the ball into any Red player. Restarts begin with the same two red servers. Upon winning the ball, can blue play into either target player? To score a point, blue must receive the ball back and dribble across the front plane of the server's box. Conversely, they can also score on one of two mini goals outside the center circle.

Key Factors:

1. Basic shape - need dispersal from all attackers. Look for movement and supporting angles, namely from the midfielders. Can the midfielders find deep positions?

2. Quick ball movement.

3. Movement from the midfielders - look for interchange to draw defenders out.

4. Attack with defense in mind - ensure two holding midfielders are present.

5. Encourage midfielders to dribble and attack space in front of them. Get them to commit defenders.

5. Look for the striker to check towards the ball for a wall pass or third runner situation to a midfield player.

6. Encourage switches of play. Movement with a purpose - side to side to find penetrating lanes.

Progressions:

1. Both serving red players become active in the play as fullbacks (only one at a time). Introduce the two remaining blue midfielders.

Scenario 2

Top of Box

Ball is played out wide into space fo the winger who looks to beat the fullback off the dribble. The winger has the option to cut back and play the midfielder who has made a run to the top of the box. Key is for the midfielder NOT to be too deep in the box.