Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Revised Knowledge Base

Physical and Imaginary Lines on the Field

Lines on the Field

A = Touch line aka sideline

B = Goal line

C = Penalty Area aka The 18   (Shaded area where C is located)

D = Goal Box aka The 6   (Shaded area where D is located)

E = Halfway line

F = Restraining Arcs

Thirds

The green lines are imaginary lines that divide the field across from Touch line to Touch line, into thirds. The third that has the goal in it that we are defending is called the Defensive Third. The third on the other side with the goal that we are trying to score in is called the Attacking or Offensive Third. The third in between the Def and Attacking Thirds is called the Middle Third.

Zones

Zones

Now I have gotten rid of the outer most vertical channel lines dividing the wing channels from their adjacent halfspace channels, but those areas are still there. Also I divided the thirds up further into sixths. In this way we have divided the field into nearly equal size pieces and numbered them. These are referred to as Zones and they are simply a way to break down the field. Of importance are Zone 14 and the halfspaces of Zones 13 and 15 (shaded area). It is from here that statically most goals are born!

Principles of Attack

Principles and Phases of Attack

When In Poss

Principles of Attack

1. Depth

2. Width

3. Penetration

4. Supporting Movement

5. Creativity and Imagination

Phases of Attack

1. Build Up/Out   (#6 must face own goal to see ball)

2. Consolidation  (#6 can face opposing goal and see ball)

3. Incision  (Breaking the line)

4. Finish 

*Phases can be progressed through in order forwards and backwards and even skipped altogether.  An example might be when a goal kick is kicked long to the half.  As the ball passes over the #6, we go from Build Out into Consolidation if we keep the ball, otherwise we are in the Moment of Transition Losing the Ball.

Screen 7

Numbering system applied to a 3-5-2 formation. In this system of play I would want the 2 and 3 to play more like Centerbacks and have much lesser attacking roles than their counterparts in a 4-3-3. Conversely, 7 and 11 would have greater defensive roles and be called Wingback instead of Winger due to their enhanced defensive role of getting back and connected with the back line in full defensive recovery.  When we are In Poss, they get up field providing width and depth and rotation with the two number 9's.  This is a system we are likely to play because of the large number of attacking players on the team.  We will explore this system in more depth in the near future.