Fast Transitions to Attack can result in opportunities to score! The details must be coached; the players must understand and identify the moments in the game where they can successfully transition forward to attack – opponent disorganized, on winning possession in various areas, opponent playing a high-line etc etc – all these scenarios may call for slightly different approaches that need to be coached continuously.
Try out the following session and let us know how it goes.
1.
Setup:
Two groups of 5v5 are organised as shown; players in their normal positions related to 11v11 game.
Mini-goals are placed on/around the 18-yard line.
Instructions:
WARMUP: EMPHASIS ON TRANSITIONING TO ATTACK:
Players pass and move using 1 and 2-touch play; when the opportunity arises players must pass the ball to a runner breaking forward into space to pass into the mini-goal. The next ball starts immediately.
Play is continuous: 8min
*Gradually build rhythm / intensity as warmup progresses
Coaching Points:
- Players must constantly be on the move to create passing lanes and angles
- Moment / Direction / Speed of movement into space to receive passes; players must understand the various scenarios
- No long-balls flighted into space – must be on the ground to feet or space
- Midfielders + Fullbacks must develop the ability to break forward into attack
2.
Setup:
Two 5v5 games are organised as shown; players in their normal positions related to 11v11 game.
Mini-goals are placed on/around the 18-yard line.
Instructions:
EMPHASIS ON TRANSITIONING TO ATTACK:
Players compete for possession of the ball; a goal is awarded for 10 consecutive passes.
Emphasis is on playing the ball forward into space to runners breaking forward; 3 goals are awarded for a successful pass forward into the space and a pass into the mini-goal.
Play is continuous: 3-4 x 3min
Coaching Points:
- Players must constantly be on the move to create passing lanes and angles
- No long-balls flighted into space – must be on the ground to feet or space
- Midfield players must develop the ability to break forward into attack – Note: in the Diagram the
- Red Central Mid. player is breaking forward into the space
3.
Setup:
An 11v10 is organised as shown.
One goal is placed on the 18-yard line; a line of cones is placed in line with the centre-circle to create a ‘Buildup Zone’ for the (Red) Central Defenders.
Instructions:
EMPHASIS ON TRANSITIONING TO ATTACK:
Play begins with a pass from the Goalkeeper to either Central Defender (Red) within the ‘Buildup Zone’ – the Strikers (1 + 2) may not enter the ‘Safe Zone’ to press. The Defensive team (Black) must stay organised defensively and await the opponent attempting to penetrate.
On winning possession the target is for the Black team to play forward as quickly as possible – to Strikers, to Midfield players breaking into space.
If the Black team breaks forward no opponents may follow into / beyond the Central Zone – this enables a free run to goal.
Progression 1: Central Defenders may defend beyond the Buildup Zone.
Progression 2: Back-4 and Central Mid can track back into / beyond Buildup Zone
2x8min with stoppages for coaching points / player changes
Coaching Points:
- Strikers must constantly be on the move to create passing lanes and angles
- No long-balls flighted into space – first pass must be on the ground to feet or space
- Midfield players must develop the ability to break forward into attack
4.
Setup:
An 11v10 is organised as shown.
One goal is placed on the 18-yard line; a line of cones is placed in line with the centre-circle to create a Buildup Zone for the (Red) Central Defenders.
Instructions:
EMPHASIS ON TRANSITIONING TO ATTACK:
In the Diagram the Central Midfield (6) player has intercepted a pass from the Red Fullback; immediately the Central Mid. has passed forward to Striker (10); this is the cue for teammates to break forward – a minimum of 4 players are encouraged to break forward at pace.
Coaching Points:
- Stay compact to force errors / close space and regain possession
- Strikers must constantly be on the move to create passing lanes and angles
- No long-balls flighted into space – first pass must be on the ground to feet or space
- Midfield players must develop the ability to break forward into attack