Ivan Senzen is currently Head Coach of the U17 squad at Al Nasr FC (Dubai) – a position he has held since 2014. Previously he worked in Al Nassr FC (Saudi Arabia) as an Academy Technical Director and U15 Head Coach from 2010-2014.

A native of Croatia, Ivan also has professional academy experience in Europe having been a member of the coaching staff of FC Dinamo Zagreb youth academy from 2004-2010. He currently holds the UEFA ‘A’ License.

The following session emphasizes and teaches the timing and coordination required to successfully penetrate the opponents’ defensive line. Players must develop an understanding and awareness of the correct scenarios within the game if they are to develop successful attacks.

Download / Copy Session:

1.

Setup:

Attacking team (Green) in playing positions.  Defending team (Red) in playing positions.

Instructions:

Attacking team:

As shown in the diagram, Ball circulation with 1 or 2 touches with deep runs behind defensive line, scoring on small goals.

Defending team:

Passing the ball with 1 or 2 touches with a penetration pass between the flags.

Coaching Points:

Attacking team:

1. Speed of passing
2. Moment of deep runs and penetration pass
3. Thinking about fake movements
4. Direction of penetration pass
5. Thinking in playing positions

Defending team:

1. Speed of passing
2. Playing with 1 or 2 touch (2 touch a better option)
3. Quick change point of attack
4. Communication and awareness

2.

Setup:

2 Corridors / Zones:

Attacking team in playing positions.  Defending team in playing positions.

Instructions:

Attacking team:

As shown in the diagram, warm-up with combination 1 or 2 touches with deep runs behind defensive line, and scoring on small goals.

Defending team:

Passing the ball with 1 or 2 touches as shown in the diagram with a final penetrating pass.

Coaching Points:

Attacking team:

1. Speed of passing
2. Moment of deep runs and penetration pass
3. Thinking about fake movements
4. Direction of penetration pass
5. Thinking in playing positions

Defending team:

1. Speed of passing
2. Playing with 1 or 2 touches (2 touch a better option)
3. Quick change point of attack
4. Communication and awareness

3.

Setup:

85 x 50m. 2 teams: 5v4 in each zone.

Instructions:

PENETRATING THE LINE – RUNS FROM DEEP:

In Zone (A) 5 Green vs 4 Red and in Zone (B) 5 Red vs 4 Green.

*Red Team – defend with 3 players in line and 1 as #6 (Def Mid). Defensive team not allowed to go back behind the coned line before a penetration pass is executed by green team (to give advantage for the team that is attacking).

If Red team wins possession, pass to the attacking Red teammates in the opposite zone to start the action. Green team are encouraged to try to play a deep pass as soon as possible behind the line, chip ball or between the players.

Coaching Points:

Attacking team:

1. Looking for penetration pass
2. Wingers staying wide
3. Wingers making fake runs and getting free
4. Number 9 deep runs between players

Defending team:

1. Wing position defending just DRL(2 & 5)
2. Others staying in the middle
3. Transition pass forward

4.

Setup:

As previous – 85 x 50 m. 2 teams: 5v4 in each zone.

Instructions:

PENETRATING THE LINE – RUNS FROM DEEP:

As Previous – 5 Green vs 4 Red and 5 red vs 4 green on opposite half. Red team – defend with 3 players in line and one player as #6 (Def Mid)

Defensive team not allowed to go back behind the coned line before a penetration pass is executed by green team (to give advantage for the team that is attacking). One player from defensive zone is allowed to enter the attacking zone – this creates a 6v4 for the attacking team.

If Red team wins possession pass to the attacking Red players in the opposite half.
Green team encouraged to play a deep pass as soon as possible behind the line.

Coaching Points:

Attacking team:

1. Looking for penetration pass
2. Wingers staying wide
3. Wingers making fake runs and getting free
4. Number 9 deep runs between players
5. DRL support for attacking team

Defending team:

1. Wing position defending just DRL (2 & 5)
2. Others staying in the middle
3. Transition pass forward

5.

Setup:

80 x 60m as shown. 10v10 including Goalkeepers.  3 in the last line (to give advantage to attacking team).

Instructions:

PENETRATE THE LINE:

Emphasis on exploiting the deep spaces behind the defensive line. Encourage the defending team(s) to hold a high line as much as possible (to give advantage to attacking team).

Play is continuous.

Coaching Points:

Attacking team:

1. Looking for penetration pass as soon as possible
2. Wingers staying wide
3. Wingers making fake runs and getting free
4. Number 9 deep runs between players

Defending team:

1. Wing position defending just DRL (2 & 5)
2. Others staying in the middle (protecting)
3. Transition pass forward