By Sean Reed -
Objective
This session will focus on working with players with their link up and combination play to create opening and opportunities.
Session 1
Diagram 1
Set Up
- Players are split into groups of 3
- 1 ball between the 3 players
- Playing a 1-2 refer to diagram 1
- Player 1 plays a pass into Player 2 + follows his pass. Player 2 then plays a 1-2 with player 3 around Player 1.
- It is important that when player 1 plays the 1st pass they must run towards player 2 to enable them to combine around him
- Players then keep passing and then look for the next opportunity to combine.
- 3rd Man Running refer to diagram 1
Player 1 plays into player 2. Player 2 will then play into player 3. Player 3 will then set Player 1 who is coming onto the ball. Player 1 will then play a forward pass into Player 2 who is making a run into space. Player 2 is looking to arrive onto the ball as oppose to waiting for it. - Rotational Movement refer to diagram 1
Player 1 plays into Player 2, who then plays into Player 3, whilst Player 1 makes their run across player 3 to receive the ball. It is important that Player 1 times their run to allow it to go across their path before they make their movement. This will make the pass for the Player 3.
Coaching Points
- Starting and maintaining distances
- Passing and supporting angles
- Timing of movements. The players movement will encourage the pass
- Manage the space, avoid getting into the space before the ball
- Weight of pass. Play the ball in front of the player
Session 2
Diagram 2
[wpsharely id="1204"][/wpsharely]
Set Up
- 6v6 game
- 40-50yds x 30-40yds
- 4 Target areas 5-7 x 5-7yds
- Directional game scoring into 2x Target Zones
- Unlimited touches
- To score a player must successfully dribble the ball (under control) into either of the target zones
- Once a goal is scored the ball must be played across from one target zone to another before the team can attack. The team that just scored with then regain their shape
Progression
- Restrict the number of touches
- To score; a player can only take one touch into the target area to score
Coaching Points
- Tempo of play creating gaps and openings
- Being positive in possession
- Identifying and exploiting the opportunity to dribble the ball into the target zone
- Timing of movement to receive the ball
Session 3
Diagram 3
Set Up
- As within the previous session
- In order to score players must combine playing a 1-2 and receive the ball in the target zone. Refer to diagram 3
- The player receiving the ball can take one touch to take it into the target zone if required
- A team can also score by making 10 consecutive passes (will encourage the opposition to try and win the ball back which will open up opportunities to score in the target zones)
Progression
- The player receiving the ball to score can not be arriving into the target zone before the ball
Diagram 4
Set Up
- As within the previous session
- In order to score players must link to score with a player making a 3rd man run and receiving the ball in the target zone. Refer to diagram 4
- The player receiving the ball can take one touch to take it into the target zone if required
- A team can also score by making 10 consecutive passes (will encourage the opposition to try and win the ball back which will open up opportunities to score in the target zones
Progression
- The player receiving the ball to score can not be arriving into the target zone before the ball
Diagram 4
Set Up
- As within the previous session
- In order to score players must link to score with a player making a run across the player setting the ball. Refer to diagram 5
- The player receiving the ball can take one touch to take it into the target zone if required
- A team can also score by making 10 consecutive passes (will encourage the opposition to try and win the ball back which will open up opportunities to score in the target zones
Progression
- A goal can be scored using any of the 3 combinations previously worked on
By Sean Reed
Former First Team Coach of Championship side Fulham FC. Sean is a UEFA A Coach with a Masters in Sport Coaching. He has over 15 years of experience working in professional football from Academy through to First team in the Premiership and Championship.
Web - www.seanjreed.com
Linkedin - www.developmentofplayers.com
Twitter - @SeanJReed
