Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): DEALING WITH DIRECT PLAY (FAW B)

SET UP (20 mins)

SPECIFIC PRACTICE




ORGANISATION  

I will be coaching the red team and will manage the blue team with help from my assistants (server A and B)  

Red team set up in a 4-2-1-1 working back from a 4-2-3-1 

Blue team set up in a 3-3-2 working back from a 3-5-2

Play will always start with one team (red team) defending a direct ball from a server (A). - As soon as a phase of play dies, the defending back-line (red team) should squeeze their line toward the half-way line that's in place (white disc markers) A second server (B) can also be used as a start point; this time, players defend a cross coming into the box. As a progression once red team have defended the first ball from server A, they line up on the edge of the box and defend a direct ball from server B. This will increase repetition and workload for the defending team. Vary the position of both servers throughout changing the angle but also the distance from where they are serving the ball. If the opposition kick long from their GK's hands you may want to replicate that aswell. 

Rotate players after each block so they all get an understanding of dealing with first and second balls from an in and out of possession perspective. 

CHALLENGES, CONDITIONS AND TARGETS 

- Back 4 to squeeze out as one unit as quickly as they can

- as ball travels from server A can the back 4 get compact and all be within the width of the 18 yard box

- centre backs work within the width of the 6 yard box

- blue team must compete for every first and second ball. controlled aggression. if blues win the ball they have an unlimited time to score, emphasis is on the red team to press quickly if they lose first and second balls. Playing against a direct team they must constantly be pressed to stop them playing direct balls into their two strikers. 

- red team have 10 seconds to score once they regain possession. 

- challenge the red team further by allowing the blue's GK to roll a ball out to one of his CB's who then look to go direct to one of the two strikers.




KEY POINTS

out of possession (red team)

- communication between units

- if blue team win the first ball, what must red team do now? Get compact, defend central areas and stop blues having time on the ball to play their direct way. Force out as much as possible. 

- if blue team gain possession can red team quickly create a defensive overload in and around the ball to regain possession.

- GK can see everything, always to give info to the back 4, command his box and squeeze out with play.

-  be brave, challenge for every ball!

- counter press immediately do not let blue team have time to play direct balls.

- anticipate where the next ball will go, be in a position to help teammates defensively.

- work on shape of back 4 throughout. EG when the centre back goes up to challenge for a header, other CB cover round, full backs in nice and tight (width of the 6 yard box) and inline with CB covering round. 

- if the reds can not apply pressure to the player in possession whos body position suggests they will play a long ball that would be the trigger to drop deeper towards goal. GK also important in this situation, needs to have a good high position to sweep up any balls inbehind.

IN possession (blue team)

- be direct

- touch then deliver

- controlled aggression, put yourselves about and be physical

- always have at least one player running inbehind looking for the flick on from one of the two strikers.

- anticipate 2nd balls