By Sean Reed -
Objective
The session is carried out within the penalty area and will focus on the both attacking side and defending side of the game.
For the attacking players we are looking for them to create opportunities within a tight area to create goal scoring opportunities, looking for players to get a shot off quickly and attacking crosses from wide areas. For the defending players we are looking for them to prevent, block and deny goal scoring opportunities shots, which includes defending crosses.
The team not directly involved is provided the passes and crosses.
3v3 in 18yd Box
Diagram 1
Set Up
- 3 Teams of 3 Players + 1 Goalkeeper working within 18yd box
- 3v3 in the 18yd box (1 team defending and 1 team attacking), with 3 players outside serving
- The serving players are number 1 – 3 see diagram 1
- The game will start from one of the servers (The Coach will call out a number) 1 + 3 put in crosses and 2 can play the ball short to the attacking team
- The attacking team are looking to score and the defending team are looking to prevent and clear the ball out of the 18 yd box
- Once a goal is scored or the ball has gone out of the 18yd box a new ball is played in by whichever number the coach calls. Always looking to play into the attacking team
- Depending on the physical output the time for each game can run for anytime for between 60secs to 2mins. Each team will get the opportunity to defend, attack and serve. The coach can decide how many times they go through and the amount of rest time.
- Number of goals for each team – keeping the score
- Within the session the emphasis can be on the defending, the attacking and the serving
Coaching Points
Attacking
- Look to get a shot off as quickly as possible
- Tempo of play / quick passes
- 1st touch to set up a shooting opportunity
- Positive attacking the ball from wide areas, looking for someone to attack the front post area
Defending
- Nearest player closing the player down on the ball
- Intensity to the pressing
- Supporting player pressing the ball
- Courage when blocking any shots on goal
- Marking and tracking runners (being accountable)
Serving
- Quality of crosses into the area
3v3 in 18yd Box (Defending team number of passes)
Diagram 2
[wpsharely id="1204"][/wpsharely]
Set Up
- As above but if the defending team wins the ball and they can make a specific number of passes (i.e. 3 – then they are awarded a goal). These goals are added to the number of goals scored when they are attacking. If the pass is not on then they can clear the ball from the area
Coaching Points
Attacking
- As within the first part of the session
- On transition focus on immediate pressure on the ball
Defending
- As within the first part of the session
- Decision-making when to pass and when to clear
- Support the player on the ball
Serving
- As within the first part of the session
Session 3 – 1v1 Attacking and Defending Small Goals
Diagram 3
Set Up
- As above
- Introduce 2 goals (option on the size) positioned 20-30yds from the 18yd box
- If the defending team win possession of the ball they are looking to score in either goal (representing a player or space) which will go toward their overall score
- The attacking team need to react and apply immediate pressure when possession is turned over
Coaching Points
Attacking
- As within the first part of the session
- On transition focus on immediate pressure on the ball
Defending
- As within the first part of the session
- Moving the ball to create the opportunity to play into either goal
Serving
- As within the first part of the session
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.
Linkedin - www.developmentofplayers.com
Twitter - @SeanJReed
