Defending · Zone 2 · Middle third · Full session
4 exercises · 84 minutes · free printable session plan
The purpose of this session is to teach the team how to use their free midfielder to help defend the overload created in wide channels.
The session starts with a dual rondo, then moves to a 3 zone game. Then the team plays an expanded 3 zone game before ending with a 4-3-1 vs 3-2-3 game.
This session takes place in zone 2, the middle third of the field.
| # | Exercise | Space | Sets × (work+rest) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3v1 to 3v2 Rondo | 15x5 yards | 5 × (3+1) | 20 min |
| 2 | 5v6 Plus 3 in 3 Zones | 30x25 yards | 4 × (4+1) | 20 min |
| 3 | 6v6 Plus 3 in 3 Zones | 50x25 yards | 4 × (4+1) | 20 min |
| 4 | 4-3-1 vs 3-2-3 Game | 55x65 yards | 3 × (6+2) | 24 min |
| Total | 84 min |
2 large goals, 4 small goals, 8 yellow bibs, 3 red bibs, 16 white cones, supply of balls
Teams play a 3v1 rondo on each side with a neutral to switch play. When the ball enters a wide box, the free 6 can join to make it a 3v2.
Focus on shifting quickly to help defend in the wide areas. When they win the ball, they carry out of the space to get a point.
Focus on shifting the ball quickly between the grids, scoring a point after every 5 passes they complete.
Can put the boxes side by side if it is too far to shift.
Teams play 5v6 plus 3 in 3 zones with 3 goals for the focus team. The opposing team always starts and scores for each 5 passes. Only 2 defenders can enter the wide zones at a time.
Focus on shifting quickly to help in the wide areas. When they win the ball, quickly counter to the small goals.
Focus on moving the ball quickly to complete passes, utilizing the full width of the space.
Can add a neutral to the middle if it is too easy to defend.
The opposing team starts each play, and can score in the 2 goals in front of them after 5 passes. The focus team can only have 2 players in wide zones at a time and counters to the small goals in front of them when they win the ball.
Focus on shifting quickly as a group to press the ball in wide areas, so they can quickly counter to the 2 small goals.
Focus on moving the ball quickly using the whole space, so they can go to the small goals after 5 passes.
Can take away the neutral if it is too difficult to cover the space.
Teams play a 4-3-1 vs 3-2-3 game with 2 large goals and goalkeepers in the 55x65 yard space.
Focus on using their free midfielder to shift into wide areas to help defend the naturally occurring overload.
Focus on moving the ball quickly into wide areas to take advantage of their overload, so they can score in the large goal.
Can make the space longer if it is too easy to defend.
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