Authors - Adam Sadler

In modern football the development of the game from the defensive zone gives several advantages to the team that can execute efficiently. This training session is designed to improve team performance at the build up phase, with cooperations between players.

Part 1.Technical - Passing drill in triangle

Key points:

• Movement to receive (timing)
• Quality & type of pass
• Receiving techniques

Part 2.Ball possession game 9 v 7

In space 30x35m i put six players on the lines (1 or 2 touches) and 3 inside (2 or free touches). The blue team tries to keep possession of the ball while the red to intercept. If succeeded the red, (2 or free touches) the rest of the blue enter inside to recover as quickly as possible. The game starts again with the blue team having possession. Periodically change the three players of the blue team (floaters). After the preset time of the set change roles to teams.

Key points:

• Positioning to receive/support/rotate
• Decision making
• Quality & type of pass
• Receiving techniques

Part 3.Problem Solution 7 + goalkeeper v 6 game development

In the half pitch i use one goalkeeper, two central defenders, two side defenders, three central midfielders (blue) who try to achieve a goal at one of the three small posts. The ball starts always from the GK and the red team defence starts outside the box. By the opposing team i use two central midfielders, two wide midfielders and 2 strikers (red). If they steal the ball their objective is to achieve a goal at the central post.

Key points:

• Positioning to receive/support/rotate
• Decision making
• Quality & type of pass
• Receiving techniques

I use this training unit to transfer to my players the principles of their defensive function individually, subgroup and as a team.

Part 1.

In a box 20x20m the red player has to drive the ball to the other side of the pitch and blue to intercept.

Key points:

• Delay
• Deny
• Direct
• Tackle

Part 2.

In a box 20x20m the 2 red players try to drive the ball to the other side with the blue trying to intercept.

Key points:

• Delay/press
• Cover/mark
• Isolate
• Direct
• Tackle
• Communicate

Part 3.

Problem solution. In half pitch plays 8 v 7 + 1 gk.Defenders and midfielders of the blue team are trying to stop red attacks. In case they win the ball or concede a goal, the game stops with comments from the coach and begins with a new attack of the blue from the center.

• Delay/press
• Cover/Screen/mark
• Distance between units/players
• Isolate
• Direct
• Tackle
• Communicate

In modern football the rapid transition to attack is an integral part of the coaching process. The following training unit will be quite useful to improve the sector.

Part 1.

Preparation of players with passing drill Y-shaped.

Key points:

• Movement to receive (timing)
• Quality & type of pass
• Receiving techniques
• Running with the ball

Part 2.

In 2 the spaces 40x40m transition game 8v6 +2. The 8 (blue) are trying to keep the ball. If the 6 (red) win it, they change the game and move it to the other half where a new 6v8 is created.Players play without contact limits with the ball. In each team transition change the players left behind.

Key points:

• Positioning to receive/support
• Decision making
• Quality & type of pass
• Receiving techniques
• 1v1 dribbling

Part 3. Problem Solution: Go at a 3v2 sitoation with 1 gk and fast aggressive activity. Attackers are urged to go into quick attacks with overnumbered situations. After every attack change direction of activity. Rotate the attackers while holding the pairs of defenders constant. The duration of the attacks should not exceed 20".

Key points:

• Positioning/support
• Decision making – find free man
• Quality, type & range of passing
• Receiving techniques
• 1v1 dribbling
• Finishing

With the loss of the ball your team will be able to read the phase and begin the process of intercepting an opponent in the shortest time possible. With this training unit we try to educate our players in these situations.

Part 1.

In 2 spaces 15 x 15m transition game 4v2 + 2 The teams play without contact limit. By stealing the 2 defenders change the game (from the players or the coach) and create another 4v2 at the other side. In transitions change the players left behind.

Key points:

• Respond
• Press
• Delay
• Direct
• Tackle

Part 2.

Transition game 5v3 into 2 spaces 30x15m. After the successful achievement of 5 passes the game changes in the other half and a new 5v3 with two defenders of the neutral zone and one more. Change teams roles after the preset time. The teams play without limiting contacts with the ball.

Key points:

• Respond
• Press
• Isolate
• Direct
• Tackle
• Communicate

Part 3.

Problem solving: Play in a half-pitch 5 ν 5 + 4 with 1 gk. The attack starts at half-pitch with the 5 (red) against 5 (blue) and the gk, (the 4 yellows are not participating in this phase)

If the 5 (blue) steal the ball or the gk catch it, they play fast and with the help of 4 (yellow) try to put a goal in 2 small posts in a game 5 + 4 v 5.

Key points:

• Respond – Recover
• Delay/cover
• Isolate
• Direct
• Tackle/intercept
• Communicate