Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Developing playing out from the back

Defensive Diamond

Organization:

A 30 x 22 yard pitch divided into two halves. A goalkeeper and two defenders start in each half. A midfielders starts on the halfway line between two mannequins/poles. Finally, four opposing strikers line up as in the picture to pressure the defenders.

Activity:

One goalkeeper starts with the ball. Two defenders and two opponents move into position and the midfielder drops back to creat the diamond. The aim for the cofour defensive players is to completle three passes under pressure from the nearst strikers and transfer the ball to the opposite half with either a pass or the midfilder dribbling through. The other strikers enter theg ame once the ball is given to the keeper at the other end to restart. If strikers win the ball, they try to score.

Coaching Points:

-Facing forward with an open shoulder stance to be able to see both goals

-Accurate short passing using on/two touches

-Midfielder must give depth, not getting on the same line as the two defenders. This is essential to keeping the diamond intact and being able to play of of the back.

Find the Number 6

Organization:

Play 4 vs. 4 plus goalkeepers on a 35 x 25 yard pitch. A neutral player acts as number 6 and plays for the team in possession.

Activity:

The team in possession have a one player overload-the number 6 in the midfield. The goalkeeper starts the game by passing out of the defenders. The aim is to use your additional player to build up and score a goal.

Coaching Points:

-Play with head up to work out whether to dribble or pass.

-Accurate passing

-All players on the move and looking either to get forward or pass forward.

-An open body position so players can see both goals.

-Midfielders create angels, right or left, to offer two passing options to the defender and free up a playing out defender.

Full Back Introduction

Organization:

Play 5 vs. 5 plus goalkeepers on a 35 x 25 yard pitch. Play in a 2-1-2 formation with neutral full backs limited to two touches working on both touchlines.

Activity:

The goalkeeper starts the game. The aim is to build up and score a goal. All players on the pitch are tightly marked so the neutral full backs provide a good opportunity to pass outside to relieve pressure and allow attackers time to make runs off the ball to receive a pass in space.Do not play offsides.

Coaching Points:

-Good close control and accurate passing.

-Moving off the ball and playing with the head up.

-Look to switch positions with a team mate and ofer angle to receive/ give pass.

-Stay calm under pressure.

Attacking Full Backs

Organization:

Play 7v7 plus goalkeepers on an 60x50-yard pitch. Place three mannequins/poles at regular intervals on the halfway line. These provide "traffic" for defenders to avoid when making a pass. Both teams play with four defenders in their own half and three attackers in the other half.

Activity:

Play starts with a goalkeeper using his four defenders to play out of defense with a 5v3 overload with the aim for getting forward quickly. One of the full backs is free to break forward and join the attack to create a 4v4. The opposite full back must now tuck in and join the two centre backs to give the team defensive balance behind the ball.

Coaching Points:

- Constant movement off the ball to receive and turn from the forwards

- The full back finds space at pace to create an attacking option.

- Accurate passing and crossing.