Defence transition

I use this drill to train my team in the transitioning from attack to defence, for the quick perception of the positions of the rival players and for cutting the passing channels.

In space 40x60m i create 2 teams of 7 players with 2 gk. One player from each team waiting at the two end lines with a ball.

Players in the main space dimensions 30x40m. are trying to maintain possession of the ball (without limitation contact).

The group that will be able to make five passes are free to choose one of the two goalposts to achieve a goal with one player only goes over the line and can not be marked by the opponent.

Once the player of the attacking team finishes the situation with 1v1 with the keeper, then the opponents player who is waiting at the final line with a ball at his feet comes in (quick change of player roles with the one that make the final attempt and the one that waits at the end line). He drives the ball fast to the central square and trying to organize a new state of ball possesion inside the square to attack in one of the two sides.

The nearest player of the team that had attacked before now is asked to close the space and the easy pass to his opponents that drives the ball towards the possesion square. Other players are invited to quickly split the markings and cut the channels for pass to stop the attacking activity of the opponents.

The player that made the final attempt with a defender change roles with the 2 players that came in.

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

Exercise Duration: 1-2 sets x 6',

Stop: 2' between sets.

• Training effect on maintenance of actions for a long time.
• Training effect on the ability of faster repetition rate of explosive action.
• Effect of training on reaction speed and perception.
• Training effect on the above technical tactical and mental elements.

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

I use these training units towards the end of the micro cycle to coach the specific tactics I want my team to follow in the upcoming match.

The reason I do it at the end of the week is double. First of all the best possible memorization of the instructions and secondly the form of the training unit that follows the principles of "tapering" to achieve the best possible performance.

Part 1:
Passing drill in the shape of "Y".

Every 2 minutes I grow up the "Y" reaching up to the last poles I have placed.

In this way, players are trained at different distance passess, changing the way the ball is received and taking "high intensity runs" by preparing their cardiorespiratory system.

Part 2:

Game 10v10 with 1 GK at 2/3 of the pitch.

The game always starts with the defending team (basically the starting lineup in formation that I'm thinking of starting in the match).

The attacking team follows the formation we expect the opponent to place in the match and aims to achieve a goal at the main post.

My central defenders open to the side of the box and the full backs go up high. One of the two defensive midfielders descends between the defenders to support the build up and the second looking for space in the area between the lines. The goal of the defending team is with a gameplay to pass the 3 gates located at about 60 meters by driving the ball.

If the ball is lost anywhere on the pitch, nearby players put pressure on the ball holder, those in front of the ball are urged to return immediately behind their imaginary straight line and those behind the ball to divide the markings to avoid rapid aggressive activity with long balla of the lines.

Every free-game activity lasts up to 30 '' to 1 'and the break is complete until the players of both teams are reinstated.
In the two-set break, the players of each team, on their own, do a mini-account of what makes them difficult and what they have to do to achieve their goal.

Exercise intensity: 60-85% of M.H.R.
Exercise Duration: 2 sets x 6'-8'
Exercise break: 4' per set