Theme 1 Attacking Centrally is a soccer coaching theme focused on Phase 3 Finishing the Attack and is developed with principles from a 343 or 3412 system of play. The 14 practices created take place in the middle and attacking thirds and most commonly in the central 3 zones as shown. Penetration and Movement to finish are the main soccer coaching principles covered, with our primary players being attacking midfielders, advanced full backs and of course strikers.
This Soccer Practice is played in a 20 and 30 yard area depending on age group coached. We play a 3 v 3 plus targets changing to a 4 v 4 with a goal and Goalkeeper at each end. Players must combine with a central target player to score with quick combination. The playing area has two central 5 yard zones where target players must play 1 or 2 touch combinations with the attacking team.
Key Soccer Coaching Points
Try to allow free play and recognise opportunities for possession team to combine quickly with forward passes. If opposition start to protect target players, may need to enforce passing conditions (e.g. 10 passes a goal) to force pressure. Be creative and think about other progressions that could be implemented using STEP model, or ask players to create their own.
Progressions & Constraints | 1
Progress the soccer practice by allowing rotation between central target players, with a single player in each box for each team.
Progressions & Constraints | 2
Central players can drive out of the central square to initiate attacks quicker.
Defenders set up either side of the defending third. One defender plays pass into 1 of 2 attackers who attack defender quickly to get shot off against GK. One big goal for Attacking players to attack and 2 mini goals for Defender to attack if they win possession. Pass from each side and rotate attackers and defenders after 4-5 minutes.
Attacking Emphasis70%70%
Defending Emphasis30%30%
Age Group
Number of Players
Minutes
Progression & Constraints
3 v 2 Attack v Defence Overload Practice. Focus on movement and timing of forward passes to ensure there is a clear relationship and understanding between attacking players.
If defenders are successful for a certain time period to keep attacking players from getting a successful shot off (e.g. 4-6 seconds) then defenders can introduce an extra player, creating a 3 v 3 outfield situation. This increase in challenge will force attackers to attack quicker or adapt when faced with this balanced situation.
Key Coaching Points
Technical: Running with the ball at defenders and execution of pass and finish.
Tactical: Recognise space to exploit with the overload.
Physical: Speed to break lines with and without the ball.
Q&A
1 | Where does the space appear in the attacking phase?
2 | How can you move defenders around to create space to attack?
3 | How does the progression influence attacking options?
This Dribbling practice requires at least 5 players in a 15 yard diameter circle area, with each player beginning with a ball each to dribble. Players encouraged to be creative and try as many tricks and dribbles as they can unopposed to begin with before introducing various obstacles and challenges.
Attacking Emphasis80%80%
Defending Emphasis20%20%
Age Group
Number of Players
Minutes
Progression 1: Add 2 Areas
Add 2 areas, where players must perform a different trick and with increased traffic closer control is encouraged.
Progression 2: Add Defender
Add a defender to add pressure to dribblers, so they must avoid each other as well as perform a dribble in area.
Progression 3: Passing Floater
With increased difficulty with added defender, a floater could act as a wall pass for dribblers under pressure.
Key Coaching Points
– Technical – Close control under pressure of defenders – Technical – Ability to use both feet in turning – Physical – Change of Pace when required
Q&A
– Is the space available for players appropriate? – How can I work individually with each player? – Is there room to extend the challenge for higher ability players?
Practice 5 of the play at home series, works on individual player’s movement to lose what would be opposition to receive, move the ball and finish quickly. In addition we include finishing and movement practices to enable players to combine these different elements.
Attacking Emphasis100%100%
Defending Emphasis0%0%
Age Group
Number of Players
Minutes
Key Coaching Points 1: Movement to receive
Focus on movement off the angle of the pole, check shoulders to develop the habit to check for defenders who will you press you in games and take ball out of your feet on 1 touch to attack space and finish.
Progression 1: Physical Focus (Power / Speed)
After shot, player must sprint to corner and jump hurdles two footed to develop power, before sprinting through ladders using quick feet and then sprint through to the end pole.
Link to the Game
For older players, think about how these skills can link to their game in whatever position players play in. It’s important that skills are transferrable to the game where they can be applied in a game situaton.
Key Coaching Points
– Technical: First touch and finishing – Physical: Body shape to play forward – Physical: Speed and balance in between stations
Q&A
– How can I move into position quickly to give myself time on the ball? – How can I maintain technique over hurdles and ladders and maintain speed?
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