By Sean Reed -
Objective
For this session we are focusing on working with the Fullback defending in wide areas.
Set Up
First Part
• The area is approx 30yds (with a 10yd end zone) x 15-20yds
• (1) Is the defending players
• (2) Are the players receiving the ball from the defender to play a pass across to the other attacking player
• (3) Are the attacking players against the defending players
• (1) will play a pass into (2) who takes two touches to play into (3). The defender player (1) can close the ball down, as the ball is passed from (2) to (3)
• (3) is trying to run the ball into the end zone
• Players will switch positions 1 – 2 – 3
See Diagram 1
Second Part
• Session is set up in one half of the pitch
• Pitch – Width of the 18yd box up to the end of the centre circle
• The defending team (red bibs) set up with a back 4 and a holding midfield player + GK all within the central area
• The attacking team (black bibs) set up with 2 midfield players and 2 attacking players + 2 wide players who start in the wide areas
• There are 3 small goals for the defending team to try and place a pass into when they win possession
• The ball will always start with the attacking team – from the coach
• The attacking team must make 3 passes before the ball can go into the wide areas (must be played from the opposite half of the pitch)
• Once the ball goes into the wide area, only the FB can go out to defend the attacking player
• If the wide player comes back inside, then the FB returns to the central area
• Once the wide player goes past the edge of the 18yd area then players are free to go where they want
• Looking for the opposite wide player to get into the area when attacking
Progressions
• Change the number of passes before the ball goes out wide
• Where the ball can be played from to go wide
• Number of touches
• Time limit before the ball goes wide
See Diagram 2
Some Coaching Points
• Trigger point / stimuli for when to travel
• Body shape prepared for when the ball is switched
• Timing of movement
• Acceleration / angle of approach
• Deceleration on approach to ball
• Get players head down
• Distance and body shape for 2nd movement
• Use the line as a 2nd defender
• Patience (force mistake, win possession, make the tackle)
• Opposite FB aware of the wide player attacking the ball
By Sean Reed
Former First Team Coach of Championship team 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
Twitter - @SeanJReed
