Session: AO.079 
 Age: 15-Adlt |
 Intensity: Medium |
 Time: 30 mins |
 Positions: 7,8,9,10,11 |
 Players: 6vs5+GK |
 Area: 60x60 yrds |
Exercise Objectives
- Developing central attacks using three forwards.
- Developing attacks in a 4-3-3.
Organisation
Diagram 1. Set-Up Arrangement
Set-Up
- 60x60 yrd playing area using a half field.
- Mark out a seam area (Approx. 15 yrds deep), refer to diagram above.
- Red (Defending) vs. Yellow team (Attacking).
- Attacking team = 0-3-3 formation.
- Defending team = 4-1-0 formation.
- Offside rule applies in the final third (i.e. behind the seam area).
- Starting point at the half way line (centre circle).
Instructions
- The three midfield players and three forwards combine to create chances on goal (Yellow team).
- This exercise can be performed as a shadow drill to start (no defenders). Explain the potential runs the forwards can make and run through them without defenders.
- Then introduce the defenders and ask them to play only 75% effort. When comfortable introduce full pressure.
- The defending team attempt to clear the ball out over the half way line in the air.
- The attacking team should explore the options available by the front three players and their movements to create space to receive and for each other. Refer to the Key Coaching Points.
- Once the ball is out of play the attacking team resume possession from the Starting Point position on the half way line.
Scoring
- Attacking Team = Scoring on the full size goal normal.
- Defending team = Score by clearing the ball over half way line.
Coaching Points
- Encourage players to get into the seam area of the field. This area (between the opponents defending and midfield lines) is difficult to mark and allows the attacking team to get into a pocket of space in-between the opposition.
- Forwards can get into the seam area by checking towards the midfield.
- Midfielders can get into the seam and draw defenders to create space for the forwards.
- Once in the seam there is opportunities to play short diagonals through to forwards running behind the defense.
- Dump passes (i.e. passes laid off for midfielders from forwards checking back) can be used to create spaces in the defending lines and open channels for the midfielder to play through balls. Refer to Diagram 1.
- Many of the attacking patterns of a 4-3-3 come from playing into a Centre Forward (CF). This player provides a platform (pivot) for others to make runs off.
- Runs into the seam area pull defenders out of position if they follow and mark leaving gaps behind for other forwards to run into.
- The three forwards should make complimentary runs. Some check short to build play, some threaten behind to a direct through ball. Refer to Diagram 2. This will test the positioning and decision making ability of the defense.
- Good movement is all about running into a team mates space and that team mate replacing your space, i.e. rotational positioning. This causes constant decision making by the defenders as to their defending roles in relation to the moving players.
- How to create space.(i.e. check away from where you want to receive, takes defenders eyes off you, push off the defender to get separation).
- Look to play quick combinations.
Progressions
- Introduction of 2 outside defenders for the yellow team in attack. They should provide more width and drive into space and the seam area to draw defenders. Also add an additional holding midfielder for the defending team.
- Require a pass into the seam area before a goal can be scored.
- Require a positional rotation between the forwards (i.e. Each forward has to change position with another on an attack).
- One touch play maximum in the seam area to encourage quick combinations in central areas in front of goal.
Diagram 2. Displaying Complimentary Runs of the 3 Forwards
Diagram 3. Introduction of Outside Defenders (8vs5)
Variations
- Attacking team plays maximum of 2 touch up to the seam area.
Alexander Trukan
Darren Pitfield
