Session 24: Counter Attacking (1 – Beginner)
OVERLOADS IN ADVANCED AREAS | G2P | OPPOSED (46-P2)
OVERLOADS IN ADVANCED AREAS | G2P | OPPOSED (46-P2)
Set Up / Objectives
This skill practice builds on the Man City ‘Overloads In Advanced Areas‘ theme, developing our previous Technical passing practice (46-P1). Here we have 2 v 1 in both deeper and advanced areas, with a 1 v 1 in the central zone. Objective is for 2 defenders to combine in 1 or 2 touches to play into central player.
Central player can only move into wider zone after pass has been made (unopposed), emphasising weight of pass and timing of run. Central player must then play forward into 2 attacking players (2 v 1) who must score in 2 passes in one of 2 mini goals. If the defending team wins the ball, can they score in mini goal as a 3?
- Attacking Emphasis 65%
- Defending Emphasis 35%
Age Group
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Key Objectives
This shows how units can create pocket overloads to break defensive lines in the midfield and attacking thirds. We can see from this situation between City and Chelsea during the 2017-2018 Season, how Pep attempts to create an overload in the half spaces (pockets).
Birds Eye View | From Game to Practice to Game
We can view the area of the pitch in which this session would be positioned, placing the practice into context for both players and coaches. Our number 10 (De Bruyne) in the example drops into the space, and Silva (11) makes run in behind.
Zoom In | Quick Combination Play
A closer look shows clearly the passing options in possession and the challenge faced by defenders. Focus on creating space to play forward and movement into spaces to receive advance. Possible progressions could include the 10 is now opposed and so will have to wriggle out of trouble in central areas and 10 and 11 can rotate with 11 dropping off the shoulder to receive in central zone space to play forward.. Be creative!
Key Coaching Points
- Social | Understand teammates positional play
- Technical | Penetration passes to break defensive line
- Psychological| Positive focus, recognising when to be patient and when to play forward quickly
Q&A
- Is my central player finding the space they need to play forward?
- How does my constraints influence the game and do we need to amend further?
- Where are player showing initiative to solve problems witheir own solutions?
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Difficulty Rating
Play At Home | Individual Finishing Drill (40-P7)
Play At Home | Individual Finishing Drill (40-P7)
This is Play at Home Practice 7 and is a soccer drill that is focused on developing power and finishing technique.
- Attacking Emphasis 100%
- Defending Emphasis 0%
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Number of Players
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Focus on developing power and strength with jumps over hurdles, before movement and first touch that prepares players to finish into corner of goal. The objective is to maintain technique in the physical jumping phase and in the movement to receive and finishing technique.
Key Coaching Points
Physical: Power over hurdles
Physical: Sharp movement to receive first touch
Technique: Finishing low into corners
Q&A
– How can I move quickly to receive the ball where I want it?
– How do I play on different sides with my weaker and stronger foot? How can I improve?
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Difficulty Rating
Play At Home | Movement To Finish (40-P5)
Play At Home | Movement To Finish (40-P5)
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 Emphasis 100%
- Defending Emphasis 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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