Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Attacking-Combinations-Short, SHort, Long

WU Short/Short/Long (15 mins)

Organization:

1. Field spacing is half of a soccer field or whatever is available 

2. Players work in groups of 3s

2. Each group with 1 ball

(P.S. line changes to suit USSF)

Dotted Arrows represent player movement,

red arows represents pass

grey arrows represent dribbling

Instructions:

1.The sequence is two short passes and one long pass (passing combinations must include wall passes, overlaping runs, lay offs)

2. Player 1 plays a give and go with player 2. On the return pass player 1 hits a long ball (15-20 yards) to player 3.

3. After the long pass player 1 immediately makes a run towards play 3 to offer support for the long pass 

4. Player 1&3 then repeat the sequence with player 2 now becoming the furthest player. 

Coaching Points:

1. Getting into line with the ball

2. Assess the flight as ball travels

3. Select appropriate surface for receiving the long pass

4. weight and accuracy of passes between players to maintain good tempo

Progressions:

1.P – Increase the passing distance

2.P – Limit players to one touch

3.Regression – Reduce the distance of the longer pass

4.P - Making passing sequence competitive first team to 10 reps.

Stage 3 (20 mins)

Organization:

1. Field spacing is half of a soccer field  

2. Players are set up as shown with front four and one which progresses to two holding players for the green team (the focus group)

3. The green team will consist of a front 5/6 - that is derived from the 1-4-2-3-1 formation USA played. Step up as shown.

4. The opposing team in white will consist of a back four which will progress to a back 5 derived from the 1-4-5-1 formation that Guatemala played

5. All the balls are step up at the goal line as shown.

6. There are two small goals placed at half field as seen in the diagram

(P.S. line changes to suit USSF)

Dotted Arrows represent player movement,

red arows represents pass

grey arrows represent dribbling

Instructions:

1.The play starts with the GK putting ball to midfield

2. The ball is picked off by #8 who starts a passing combination with #10

3. Both #8 and #10 are looking for ways to penetrate the defense either via a through pass or dribble

4. Wide plays #7 & #11 should be checking away from the ball to give the team width #9 should be making diagonal runs to create depth and unbalnce defenders to create gaps

5. One option can be as practiced in stage 2 . #8 & #10 plays a wall pass or give and go in an attempt tp unbalance defenders)

3. upon receiving the return pass #8 will scans the field to see which of his/her wide players is in a better position to receive a long through ball. In the example above the ball is played in the path of #11

4. #11 will have two options take the ball on the dribble all the way to the goalline and look for a cross OR dribble to corner of 18yd do a cut back and try to combine with trailing players for a shot on goal from central position.

5. The movement of the supporting players is as shown with the arrows; #7 & #9 make angled runs to front and back post, #10 runs towards the penalty spot, while #8 makes a trailing run to the top of the box

6. If defenders win the ball or keeper makes a save the three must try using a pass combination to get the ball to the coach.

7. Activity runs until ball goes out of play or there is a goal.

Coaching Points:

1. Attackers are always looking to penetrate. I.E., each player should be thinking to go to goal on their first touch if the play is on. Penetrating options are a dribble or forward pass.

2. Movement off the ball must be proactive rather than reactive (check away from ball then check into space created to get ball in comfortable spots)

3. ALWAYS DO HEAD CHECKS

4. Timing of runs into the box (be sure to have all 3 areas covered)

5. Good weight and accuracy of passes

6. Good decision making - wide player must assess if they have to serve the ball or cut back and dribble into the box based of the positioning of defenders

Progressions:

1.P – Increase the number of opposing players

2.P – Set time limit for shot on goal

3.P - have a points system for goals scored from cross vs a cut back