This is a session that I will deliver tonight with the University team that I work with. It is based on 26 players on (just over) half a pitch, however numbers, structure and spacing can be easily adapted.
The first part of the session has not been included here as it is possession//SSG based whilst players arrive etc (the joys of a later start time with Uni students!)
Back 4, 1 DM and 1CM (Defence)
Front 4, 1 CM plus 2 CM to join (Attack)
2v1 in end area: After 3 passes, play into attackers. 1 Attacker and the Defender can join main zone. If defenders win possession, they can break out into end zone OR play a longer ball into Target player.
* Coach the Defenders: Close Space and stop through balls (CDM); CB’s – 1 deeper, 1 presses opposition ST; FB’s narrow; Who tracks runner? (tracking CM).
* Manage the Attackers: CAM and ST combine; CAM and W combine; “start again and recycle possession” if needed – be patient.
Defending Team:
4-3-3 (Back 4, 2CDM, 1CAM, 2W and 1ST who plays just over the halfway line)
Attacking Team:
4-3-3 (1 ST, 2W, 1CAM, 2CDM, 2FB)
4 Target Players/Servers.
Defending Team, break out with a forward pass or dribble across halfway line; Play to ST who lays off to Target; direct to Target.
Attacking Team: score
Same principles but now use channels as reference points. When ball is central, defenders fill middle channel. When ball is wide, defenders fill that channel and middle (lines).
*Upon ball regain, team in possession spread and find wide spaces – fill all channels.
From here, move into free play and observe for understanding being applied in the games.
@LloydOwers (Twitter)