Building up from the Back

Soccer Drills Skills: Passing

Type: Phase of Play

Age: 16

Phase of Play: Attacking

Details: Parent Category: Phases of Play; Category: Attacking Phases of Play

Session
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Session

Session: AO.112

Age: 12-Adlt	Intensity: Medium
Time: 30 mins	Positions: All
Players: 14+	Area: Full Pitch

Exercise Objectives

Role of midfield players when central defender is in possession.
Role of central defenders when midfield player is in possession.

Organisation

Diagram 1. Set-Up Arrangement

Set-Up

Mark out 2/3 of a full size pitch as on diagram. Prepare min. 4 spare balls. The teams play in specific formations. Provide tactical instructions for each team:
Formations
Attacking team:
8 players (7+GK) (blue)
1-2-3-2 formation
The attacking team scores in three small goals.
Defending team:
6 players (red)
4-2 formation
Defend full small goals
After gaining possession team scores by scoring in the full sized goal as soon as possible. Apply medium pressure (on 3/4 of the pitch) and force attacking team to play through central defenders.

Instructions

Game starts when the ball is played in by player no. 1 (goalkeeper). No corner kicks. After a goal the game is restarted by the goalkeeper. Two teams compete and attempt to score.

Scoring

The attacking team scores in the three small goals. After gaining possession defending team scores by scoring in the full sized goal as soon as possible.

Coaching Points

Be aware where is the ball, opponent and your teammates.
Create space for central defenders by pushing up front to the half of the pitch.
Make a movement to support central defender in possession (diagonal movement of 6/8) in front of the ball for the winger in possession is needed.
Form diamond (central defender, full back, two midfielders).
Observe where is the space to receive.
Create space as an individual to receive. Starting position behind opposition player.
Be aware of your next action.
Body position to receive.
Communication (play!, switch! etc.)
Defenders: Be aware where is the ball, opponent and your teammates
Movement to the corner of the penalty box when the GK in possession.
Body position.
Communication in the 1st phase (play!, switch! etc.)
Receive the ball in the direction of play
Passing priorities (score/nearest player to the goal)
Switch play when no option forward. Quick ball circulation from side to side.
Communication in the 2nd phase (turn!, wall pass! man on! etc.)
Support for midfielder in possession.

Diagram 2. Goalkeeper in Possession

Central defenders (3&4) position themselves by the corners of the penalty box giving goalkeeper two
nearest options to play.
Full backs (2&5) push up high to the 1/3 of the pitch.
Position of central midfielders (6,8&10) should be around the half pitch area. This movement creates
space for central defenders to receive the ball.

Diagram 3. Central Defender in Possession

When central defender receives the ball movement of midfield players is vital. Player number 6 (operating at the side of the ball) should make horizontal movement and stay long distance from the ball.
Player number 8 should give left option of play for central defender in possession forming diamond (with players number 3,2 and 6). Player number 10 makes a run to the opposite side of the ball keeping triangle shape with other midfield players.

Diagram 4. Set-Up Arrangement

When the ball travels from one central defender to the other, midfielders mirror their positions on the pitch in relation to the other side.

Diagram 5. Dealing With Opposition Tactics (Attacking Midfielder)

Playing in a 4-2-3-1. Or in a formation that creates an overload in the central midfield area. Look to play into the number 10 (attacking midfield position).

Diagram 6. Dealing With Opposition Tactics (Team defending deep)

Opposition plays deep. Allowing CB's to dribble and push out more.

Diagram 7. Dealing With Opposition Tactics (Holding Central Midfielder)

Deep holding midfielder is free to receive passes to feet when there is an overload in the midfield area. Especially against a typical 4-4-2 when playing 3 in the central midfield.