Are your players going forward at the right moment? Do they understand the options of ‘who’ can support the attack in various scenarios? Are they aware of their roles + responsibilities during these transition moments?
The following activities emphasize attacking transitions from central areas of the pitch. The activities begin with players in their defensive roles; on winning possession various scenarios of attacking are introduced and developed.
The main emphasis is on breaking forward to support the attack as fast as possible!
Mick McDermott has held coaching positions in multiple countries over the past 20 years and is currently the head coach at Glentoran F.C. in Belfast. Prior to that, he was most recently Assistant Coach at Esteghlal F.C (Tehran, Iran) – one of Asia’s most powerful clubs. Before Esteghlal he spent 10 years in various roles in the Middle-East including Al Ain FC, Al Nasr FC and with the Iran National Team during their World Cup 2014 qualification campaign and 2018 World Cup.
A native of Belfast (Ireland), Mick spent over a decade in USA prior to moving to the Middle-East; while in USA he held various coaching roles at the Youth, College + Professional level. He currently holds both UEFA + USSF ‘A’ Licenses. Mick is also co-founder of SoccerSpecific.com.
1.
Setup:
A 5v5 is organised in the central grid / 1v1 outside the box and a Goalkeeper in Goal (A). 2 mini-goals are placed 5yds behind the central grid *not shown in diagram.
Instructions:
Play begins with a pass from the Coach (C) to the Black team; the Black team must attempt to maintain possession – goals are awarded for -1. 10 consecutive passes or 2. scoring in either mini-goal.
The Red (defensive) team must win possession of the ball and immediately look to pass forward to the lone Striker (9): immediately after passing to #9 two players must break out of central zone to offer support and create a 3v1 to goal.
Progression 1: Allow 2 Black Defenders to follow
After goal / scoring chance; allow players to jog back to repeat. Change roles after designated time.
Coaching Points:
- Possession (Black Team):
- Quick ball circulation + movement
- Quality of passing / possession
- Defending (Red) Team:
- Compact centrally / Press the opponent
- Immediately look to break forward on gaining possession
- Speed of support – sprint to join the attack
- Quality of Chances / Finishing
2.
Setup:
A 5v5 is organised in the central grid / 1v1 outside the box and a Goalkeeper in Goal (A). 2 mini-goals are placed 5yds behind the central grid *not shown in diagram.
Instructions:
In the Diagram, Red Central midfield player #6 has intercepted the pass to Black #10; immediately #6 plays a vertical pass forward to the Striker #9. This is the cue for #8 + #11 to sprint forward to offer support to the Striker; this creates a 3v1 to Goal.
Progression: Allow Defensive players to recover from Central area.
Coaching Points:
- Possession (Black Team):
- Quick ball circulation + movement
- Quality of passing / possession
- Defending (Red) Team:
- Compact centrally / Press the opponent
- Immediately look to break forward on gaining possession
- Speed of support – sprint to join the attack
- Quality of Chances / Finishing
3.
Setup:
A 3v3 + 1 ‘Free’ Player is organised in the central grid / #7, #11, #9 are positioned against 3 Defenders / Fullbacks are positioned in wide areas (LFB + RFB).
*Central grid is reduced in size from previous activities.
2 mini-goals are placed 5yds behind the central grid *not shown in diagram
Instructions:
Play starts with a pass from Coach (C) to any of the Black players in central grid; this creates a 4v3.
10 passes = 1 goal or by passing into either mini-goal.
The 3 Red players must win possession and look to pass forward to any of the advanced players – #7 / 11/ 9. Immediately when the ball is played forward 2 players from the central grid + 1 Fullback sprint forward to join the attack.
Variation: Allow both Fullbacks to join attack / 2 Central players remain.
Rotate players / make changes as necessary to avoid overload / fatigue.
Coaching Points:
- Possession (Black Team):
- Quick ball circulation + movement; use the man advantage
- Quality of passing / possession
- Defending (Red) Team:
- Compact centrally / Press the opponent
- Immediately look to break forward on gaining possession
- Speed of support – sprint to join the attack
- Quality of Chances / Finishing