Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Defensive shape + mid-block press

Pitch split in half horizontally goal to goal - players must stay within their own half to begin.

6 reds with one feeder starting at the goal trying to build the attack.

4 blues +GK defending the attack.

Defenders must keep a box shape playing narrow and forcing the attack to play wide.

If the defenders win the ball they can try and score against the feeder, to speed this up limit to 10 seconds to get the next phase of play started so encourage a quick transition for this

If the defensive team start charging forward and losing shape this will open gaps for the attackers to play within. 

add another marked area (Y) and allow attackers to have the ball until they come over this line, then you press and force the attack wide (mid-block press)

Remove horizontal area (X) and ask to remember their positioning without the line.

- change defenders 6/7 minutes

Interventions;

Group - every 3/4 minutes for no longer than 30 seconds

Individual - add challenges or instructions if necessary

Key Principles

- Keep shape

- Force wide
- Side On

- Quick transition to score

- Blues do not press the ball until the attack comes over the first red line.