Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Midfield 3 Sesssion

3v3+4

Approx 25x25 yard area. 3v3 inside playing area – plus 2 end target players along each endline. Teams of 3 are trying to pass the ball through the middle to each end. End players cannot pass directly to other end – must complete at least one pass into central players. When a pass is completed to an end player, they must pass/switch play to the other end player on the same side. This causes the midfield 3 to move, support play, while keeping triangle shapes. The end player can pass back & forth to eachother.

-You can also coach the defending side of the midfield 3 – how to defend together to make play predictable, take away options, cover and set traps.

-Can play 2v2+1 in central zone for younger players

Coaching Points :

(1) Keep a triangle shape – Depth & Support – Good passing angles – never in a straight line.

(2) Movements to draw out defenders & open up space – check in & check out runs.

(3) Rotation – complimentary movement to always maintain triangle shapes. Dynamic – not static.

(4) Receive side on / Half turn / Always open to field

(5) Deepest Player – drop to receive on half turn to play forward

- If marked tight , they use body to shield and bounce pass back to ends to setup combination.

- Might drop deep & wide if CB gets pulled central

(6) Timing & Secondary Movement – don’t be early , be dynamic, read the play & passer body language.

- If you are marked tight, then get body in front of defender and get ball at feet to bounce passes and then make

secondary movement away after pass.

(7) Always look to play forward first – look to play the highest most advanced player whenever possible.

- The forward player must provide good depth and position high.

(8) Centerbacks playing forward – the end targets are like CBs here.

- Keep body shape forward/open – be looking to support and play forward & early as much as possible

VARIATIONS:

(1) 2v2+1 in Central Area

(2) One End Target

(3) Must combine two passes in middle

(4) 4v4 in middle if playing diamond shape

8v8

An 8v8 game split into 3 zones. 3v3 in midfield zone plus 2v2 in each endzone.

Play restarts out of the back and CBs cannot be pressured by attackers while building out of the back.

Same rule applies where midfielders can support into the final third once the ball breaks the line.

VARIATIONS:

(1) Add wide mids or outside backs onto game

(2) Make central playing zone wider than attacking zones.