Attack

I use this drill to train attacks of my team with the participation of players from the rear zones.

In space 60x60m. create two groups of 10 players with 2 gk and which are divided into eg. 4v4 3v3 3v3 (i can choose between different systems i use) and placed in 3 zones 20x60m. The blue team starts with ball from the goalkeeper and with cooperation between players of the the first zone they try to pass the ball to the players in the second zone.

Figure 1.

Players from the middle zone trying (in cooperation with the first zone players) to pass the ball in the third zone. Then the side players of the attacking team from first zone and all from the second (attacking team only), with a sprint run can can join the attack in the third zone creating an overnumbered situation of at most 8v4.

There the attacking team is asked to quickly take advantage of the presence of players that come with speed from the back zone.

By the end of the attack players of each zone of the attacking team shifted accordingly to move to their starting zones (you can change players positions in order to equalize training load).
If the red team steal the ball continue to play normally with the same rules of the game from every zone they are.
Figure 2.

Exercise intensity: 75% -95% M.H.R.

Exercise Duration: 1-2 sets X 6'-10 '.

Stop: 2 between sets.

• Training effect on the maintenace of actions for a long time.
• Training effect on the faster repetition rate of explosives actions.
• Training effect on the above technical tactical and mental elements.

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

In modern football the exploitation of spaces created on the back of defense plays an important role in creating conditions for achieving a goal.

The training of my players in the movement in these spaces, at the right time and under the appropriate conditions, as well as the patience of the team and the final pass at the appropriate time, led me to the creation and execution of the following exercise.

Exercise with passes and movement in space. Change by circularly shifting the players clockwise and counterclockwise. The central player stays firm.

Exercise Duration: 10 '

Exercise intensity: low

Game 10v10 (8v8 - 11v11) in a space of 60 x 50m. In the space we create 2 zones 15 x 50m. In the central area 30 x 50m. the teams are trying to keep the ball in their possession for 6 passes and then they can (each on their side) pass the ball into the attack zone where the players try to reach the goal in the 2 small posts.

Players can not enter the final zone before executing of the pass (offside rules).

If they fail to do so, and in order to maintain the adequate depth of the team, they can replay the ball in the central zone and reach a goal in the small central post.

Let the players find solutions through the game without interrupting them for comments. You can do the exercise by limiting contacts (2-3) or without.

Exercise intensity: 75-90% M.H.R.

Duration of exercise: 1-2 sets x 6'-10'

Stop: 2' between sets

Final game 10v10 with 2 goalkeepers at the 3/4 of the court.

Free game without limitation of contact with the ball but with the offside rule in force.

Exercise intensity: 75-95% M.H.R.

Duration of exercise: 1-2 sets x 6'-10'

Stop: 2' between sets

The chance of winning back to back Champions League titles is over for Liverpool. Liverpool were eliminated from the Champions League with a 3-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their round of 16.

After losing the first leg, 1-0, in Spain, Liverpool finished regulation of the second leg up 1-0 with Wijnaldum header in the 43’ minute of the game to force extra time and Firmino to score the second goal for the Reds in the fourth minute of the extra time. Atletico Madrid got two goals from substitute Marcos Llorente to equalized with two powerful shots outside the box to beat Adrian (97’,105+1). At the stoppage time of the extra time, Morata scored in a counter attack to made it 3-2 for Atletico Madrid and go through to the Quarter Finals of Champion league.

Line Ups

Liverpool: Adrian, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Gomez, Robertson, Henderson, Chamberlain, Wijnaldum, Mane, Salah and Firmino

Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Trippier, Savic, Felipe, Lodi, Koke, Partley, Correa, Saul, Felix and Diego Costa.

Liverpool as usual line up in 4-3-3 formation which at some point changed to a back three during possession with the defensive midfielder Henderson dropping between the two Central Defenders; Van Dijk and Gomez. This gave the chance the two fullbacks; Robertson and Alexander-Arnold to move higher on the pitch and to give width in the attack. Also, both wingers for Liverpool; Mane and Salah stayed high and wide in attack to create space in the central areas for the midfielders; Wijnaldum and Chamberlain to run into channels.

Atletico Madrid lined up in a 4-4-2 formation and they used a deep compact 4-4-2 formation in defense to limit the space in between the lines for the Liverpool Players and they kept this style throughout game. The midfielders of Atletico Madrid; Saul, Koke, Partley and Correa worked hard and they were dropping in the defense to support in the half spaces and wings.

Liverpool moved the ball from defense to midfield easily and stirker Firmino dropped deep to create a 3 vs 2 overload in the centre of the midfielders.

Hence, this created space for midfielder Chamberlain in the half-space on the right flank, while the midfielders of Αtleltico Madrid; Koke and Partey were occupied marking striker Firmino and midfielder Wijnaldum. They tried to switch play quickly on the other side in order to attack space with midfielder Chamberlain running into the right corridor. This tactic-initiated chances and opportunities which lead to scoring the 1st goal for Liverpool.