Named after the two Bayern Munich greats, Ribery and Robben focuses on the attacking movements of the 7 and 11 in wide areas. The session progresses gradually from simple to complex, starting with simple counter movements and combinations against mannequins to finally progress into a phase of play against a team of players. Wide players will learn how to create space for themselves and the players around them and also about the relationship between them and their outside backs, respectively.

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Ribery and Robben

1. Warm Up

Setup:

Ribery and Robben. Passing combinations in tight areas focusing on winger movements to get in behind. Different variations each set. Players follow their pass after each repetition.

Instructions:

Each set works the same way on both sides. After each set, the server switches to play to the opposite side.

1. Winger shows for the ball, server dribbles forward, winger spins in behind to receive in behind.
2. Winger checks to the ball, plays a give and go to receive in behind.

Coaching Points:

• Counter movements to receive the ball
• Two player combinations (commit the defender first, then sharp combination)

2.

Setup:

Functional work for the 7 and 11 focusing on wingers movements in wide areas. 2 mannequins set up (1 on each side) with 2 mannequins in the penalty box.  Two areas set up around the corner of the box.

Instructions:

Functional work with the winger and outside back, focusing on creating space for a cross. The patterns are;

1. Winger checks off the mannequin and then dribbles at the mannequin, beats it and crosses into the box.
2. Player passes to the winger, outside back overlaps, winger dribbles inside to commit defender (mannequin) and slips the outside back in space for a cross.
3. Winger checks off the mannequin, then plays a give and go with the outside back who makes a run inside.
   Add active defender.

Coaching Points:

• Counter movements to receive the ball.
• Ability to create a yard of space (body feints and footwork)
• Two player combinations (commit the defender first, then sharp combination)

3.

Setup:

Robben and Ribery Attacking Movements (Vs passive opposition). Team in black set up in a 2-1-3 (two outside backs, one center midfielder and 3 forwards) Vs 3 red defenders. Defenders are passive to begin, slowly becoming more active as forwards gain rhythm.

Instructions:

Attacking movements focusing on the relationship between the 2 & 7 and the 3 & 11. Ball starts with the coach who plays to either the #2 or #3.

1. Ball switched, winger stays wide, outside back inside.
   1. Outside back receives and plays wide- winger beats defender to get cross into box.
   2. Underlapping run inside by outside back for cross/ finish.
2. Ball switched. Winger comes inside, outside back wide;
   1. Winger drives inside and outside back overlaps for a through ball played from 7 to 2
   2. Winger drives inside, 2 overlaps, ball played from winger to center midfielder and then wide to overlapping outside back for a cross and finish.

Coaching Points:

• Movements before receiving- check towards the ball OR peel off into a wide area
• First touch to commit the defender or drive into space
• Crossing and finishing quality

4.

Setup:

Robben and Ribery 8 v 8 phase play. Team in black set up in a 2-3-3 (two outside backs, 3 center midfielders and 3 forwards) Vs the red team (GK, four defenders, three central midfielders). Defenders are active and play to counter goals.

Instructions:

Ball starts from a server at the halfway line. Team in black attempt to get the ball into wide areas to create overload situations in an attempt to get into good crossing or finishing opportunities.

Progression: if attacking team is gaining a lot of success, add one red defender and switch to a 4-4 formation, which will create a 2 v 2 in wide areas.

Coaching Points:

• Movements before receiving- check towards the ball OR peel off into a wide area
• First touch to commit the defender or drive into space
• Crossing and finishing quality
• Understanding of the 2 & 7 and 3 & 11 regarding their movements (when to go inside or outside)