Building from the Defensive to Middle Third of the Field
By Chris Kouns
These activities are designed to help your players understand “some” of the options that will be available to build from the back and get your team into positive attacking positions heading into the final third of the field.
Activity 1: 3 v 1 with targets on the ends
Field size is 15 x 15 but can vary based on the technical proficiency of your players
Inside the grid will be the 3 v 1. The two “target” players will actually be teammates of the 1 defender in the middle. This will allow for quicker transition to rotate players so that you can work 6 players per grid.
The object is for the three players to quickly work the ball from one target to the other target, then, transition themselves to go back the other again way as quickly as possible.
Coaching Points
- Focus on your movement keeping your body open to the field space (and your options) at all times
- Support your teammate by moving into positions where you have a clear line of vision to the ball and make sure you continue to readjust that position as the defender changes the angles
- Look to eliminate the defender and break pressure with the pass or the dribble based on space available
- Look to go forward with your first touch to help you break the defensive line
Activity 2: 4 v 1 / 2 v 1 / 4 v 1 + GK “targets”
Based on the technical proficiency (and fitness) of your players you can use this as a full field activity or move your goals up and play from the top of one box to the top of the other box
Inside the Defensive third there will be four backs working the ball out against one opposing player. The Middle zone will have two midfielders available to help their defenders transition the ball forward also playing against one opposing player. Then on the opposite end of the field there will again be four defenders who are against one opposing player.
The object is for the four players to quickly work the ball from their defensive third to the midfield third, then, transition the ball from the two midfielders to the opposing GK “target” who will play the other defensive unit out of their end going the opposite direction.
** You can begin with the backs not being allowed to carry the ball into the middle zone but may want to allow that as an option as your players master the movements and passes required
Coaching Points
- Outside backs assume wide positions of support in a forward position of the ball
- Central defenders should offer support and depth to the outside backs allowing for possession to be kept
- Midfielders must move into angled spaces where they can both see the ball and the other midfielder as this will force the defender to make a decision on who they are going to eliminate
- Once the defensive line is broken you must create as much distance as possible, as quickly as possible, between the defensive player and the player on the ball
Activity 3: 4 v 2 / 3 v 2 / 1 v 1 + GK’s
Field size should be a regulation field so that your players can work in the parts of the field they will be expected to use in the game
Inside the Defensive third there will be four backs working the ball out against two opposing players. The Middle zone will have three midfielders available to help their defenders transition the ball forward also playing against two opposing players. Then on the opposite end of the field there will be one attacker and one defender.
The object is for the four players to quickly work the ball from their defensive third to the midfield third, then, transition the ball from the midfielders to the attacking third resulting in a goal scoring opportunity
** This activity is one directional and starts with the four backs vs the two opponents every time. Should the two win the ball allow them to go to goal and force the backs to win it back or regain their shape on a turnover.
** Activity allows one back to carry the ball or join the midfield and then allows two players from the midfield to join the attacker so that there will be a number of options available to aid in the transition
Coaching Points
- Recognize the visual cue to break lines, eliminate defenders and carry the ball forward is SPACE
- Central defenders should offer support and depth to the outside backs allowing for possession to be kept
- Midfielder support should be both deep and wide to make it as difficult as possible for the defenders to cut off options
- All players should recognize if someone has the ball they must find “available space” where they can get the ball and see a clear path to the ball
- Once the defensive line is broken you must create as much distance as possible, as quickly as possible, between the defensive player and the player on the ball
By Chris Kouns: USSF A License (USSF Coaching Education Instructor) – NSCAA Premier Diploma (NSCAA Coaching Education Associate Staff Coach) – Head Coach Georgia Gwinnet College Women’s Soccer (GA)
