Dave Clarke is an Instructor for the US Soccer Federation; in his role as an Instructor he teaches components of the USSF A, B + C Licenses at courses nationwide. Dave also performs the role of Licensing Director for the State of Connecticut. For the past 20+ years Dave has held the position of Head Coach at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. Dave also holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and currently writes articles on the latest soccer developments for several successful journals and websites.
It is important for teams to develop an understanding of the right moments and cues to switch the point of attack. ‘Possession’ for possession sake will not develop an ability to penetrate the opponent; teams must understand that possession in certain areas of the pitch is a means to shift the opponent to create space elsewhere. Utilize this full session to develop an understanding of exploiting wide areas of the pitch.
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Switching the Attack to Exploit Wide Areas
Activity #1:
Setup:
Squad is organised into a 6v6 + 4. Perimeter players as shown.
Instructions:
PASSING ACTIVITY – EMPHASIS ON SWITCHING POINT OF ATTACK / WIDE PLAY:
Each team circulates 1 ball amongst the 6 internal players and the 4 perimeter players. Teams are encouraged to move the ball from the wide areas, quickly through the central area to the other wide channel.
1 and 2-touch play is mandatory at all times.
2 x 4 minutes
Coaching Points:
- Developer various passing options – short, long, driven, etc.
- Support play; distance, timing, angles
- Gradually increase the tempo over course of activity
- On switching play, look to keep the ball on te ground and use 1 + 2-touch play to quickly circulate the ball
Activity #2:
Setup:
Squad is organised into a 6v6 + 4. Perimeter players as shown.
Instructions:
POSSESSION – EMPHASIS ON SWITCHING POINT OF ATTACK / WIDE PLAY:
Teams compete inside the grid for possession; team in possession may utilise the 4 perimeter players – this creats a 10v6 in favor of the team in possession.
Points are scored by successfully passing from one wide perimeter player (W) and working the ball quickly to the other wide player (W). The other two perimeter players (T) act as support players for the posssession team. Play is continuous.
2 x 4 minutes
Coaching Points:
- Encourage players to play wide to the perimeter players (W) as quickly as possible
- On switching play, look to keep the ball on the ground and use 1 + 2-touch play to quickly circulate the ball.
- Utilise the advantage (10v6) to maintain possession
Activity #3:
Setup:
Squad is organised in and 8v8 as shown. Mini-goals are placed on the 18-yard line and the halfway line; flags are used to create 5-yard wide gates in each wide channel of the pitch.
Instructions:
POSSESSION – RECOGNISING THE MOMENTS TO SWITCH PLAY:
Teams compete for possession of the ball. Points are awarded for either scoring in the central mini-goals (1 point) or for passing / dribbling through either side of the wide gates (2 points).
Teams are encouraged to look for the correct moment to switch the attack to exploit the weak-side; In the Diagram, the Red team has attempted to attack the left-side gate. The shaded area illustrates 5 opponents (Yellow) occupying / denying this space – the Red team quickly looks to switch to the opposite side to take advantage of their free player.
2 x 6 minutes
Coaching Points:
- Draw the opponent to one side before switching play
- Also look to penetrate centrally if wide channels are closed
Activity #4:
Setup:
A 9v9 is organised as shown. Counter goals used. Goalkeeper (GK 1) starts the play each time and acts as a support player.
Both teams organised in 1-4-3-1 formations.
Instructions:
TACTICAL GAME – EMPHASIS ON SWITCHING PLAY TO EXPLOIT WIDE AREAS:
Attacking team (Red) attempt to maintain possession to create scoring chances in their opponent’s goal. Defensive team (Yellow) must deny space and penetration and on gaining possesion, attempt to score in the counter-goals.
Attacking team is encouraged to draw the opponent to one side of the pitch before exploiting a quick switch of play. If wide areas are blocked – look to penetrate centrally.
2 x 6 minutes – *Change roles
Coaching Points:
- Maintain possession on one side of the pitch with quick passing / movement
- This will draw the opponent to the ball side
- This will enable the weak-side to open up for a switch of play
Activity #5:
Setup:
A 9v9 is organised as shown – other goal + Goalkeeper positioned 20 yds in opposite half of pitch.
Both teams organised in 1-4-3-1 formations.
Instructions:
TACTICAL GAME – EMPHASIS ON RECOGNISING WHEN TO PLAY WIDE / CENTRAL:
Final game – free play.
Emphasis on all previous concepts and coaching points.
1 x 10 minutes
Coaching Points:
- All previous coaching points must be emphasised
- Playing style development – quick ball circulation and movement at all times