Combination Play with Strikers & Midfield
Foundation (5-11), Youth Development (12-17), Senior (18+)
Players | Middle Third, Attacking Third
The Set Up- Two sessions running back to back - Coach in the middle viewing both
- Safe zone roughly 15-20 yards deep to allow room to play splits the back to back sessions
- 3v3 in each half, 4 midfielders & 2 defender locked in the safe zone (2 of them play on 1 side), GK in each goal
- Use the midfielders in the safe zone to be patient in possession & build attacks
- If defenders (Reds) or GK win possession can they pass through 1 of the two gates - Gates act as wingbacks, relieve the pressure
- If defenders in the safe zone wins possession, combined with reds to play through the gates
Coaching Points- Creating Space - Movement off the ball, between opponents, blind side, move against the flow of the defender
- Movement - Create space (width), blind side runs, 3rd man runs to disorganise opponents
- Support - In advanced, behind, angles, distances, timing - receive the ball, create space for self or others
- Passing - Accuracy, timing, weight of pass, part of the foot, risk or retain?, into feet or space, switching play
- Receiving Priorities - In between, beyond opponent, in front facing, back too opponent
Team/Player Considerations- Can the midfielders in the safe zone play back into the final third first time - Show me
- Can you maintain possession for as long as possible? - Show me
- If defenders win possession - Can they play first time trough one of the gates. Quick decision to relieve pressure
- Defenders, can win possession back as quickly as possible
- How can the attackers link better? - Communication, reading body movements, little give & go's
Step it up- You have to keep the ball for at least 5 passes before a shot at goal
- Allow movement between the areas - must stay in balance though
- Allow defenders in safe zone to come out and support in the main area
Make it easier- Defenders in the safe zone can become another attacker, making it a 4v3
