ORGANIZATION:

35x20 yards (three zones)

12-14 players: 4 defenders in middle zone, 3-4 players in endzones

Supply of balls w/ coach on side

INSTRUCTIONS:

COACHING POINTS: Focus: Shape of the Back Four

1. Can the defenders stay COMPACT at all times

2. Avoid the split, pass down the line

3. 1st DEFENDER put immediate PRESSURE, 2nd DEFENDER provide COVER; ability to shift as a group

Functional Shape of the Back Four & Holding Midfielders

50 yard distance from goal to furthest cone; width of the penalty area (44 yards)

Defending Team: 4-2 formation

Attacking Team: 2 ST, 2 CM, RM, LM, CDM

Shadow Play for Defensive Team

CDM for the attacking team will start with the ball. Pass ball to wide LM/RM on the flank. The LM/RM will then look to pass ball into the feet of either the CM or ST, who will receive and return pass to the wide midfielder. Attacking team will work ball to other side of field and repeat pattern.

FOCUS: Defensive Shape of CB & DCM

1. Can DCM match up with CM; CB match up with ST; LB/RB stay connected & support CB with COVER

2. When the ST checks to the ball, can the CB keep their shape and pass along the attacker to the LB/RB to pressure (anticipation); the CB should provide support the LB/RB (communication)

3. When the CM checks to the ball, can the DCM stay tight and pressure; the LB/RB should provide support to the DCM

Functional Shape of the Back Four & Holding Midfielders

60x55 yards

Defending Team: 4-2 formation

Attacking Team: 4-2 with neutral player just behind CM

The attacking team will look to maintain possession of the ball and try to score. The defending team will work on their team shape and staying compact at the back. The ACM/neutral player will always start with the ball. Whenever the ball is played to an attacking player on the flank, the LB/RB will pressure & contain the ball. When that happens--- can the CB shift over to support behind at angle, other CB shift over, and the weak-side outside back shifts to become CB (game becomes a 1v1 in wide area). Do not worry about the furthest player/space for time being. When ball is played back into center of field, can the Back Four shift back into position in the center of the field.

Attacking team will try to score on goal. Try to maintain possession at all times; can use NP if get into problem

If defending team wins ball, can they find their ACM/neutral player who looks to score in goal

Formation: 4-2-1 for Main Group (coach plays as GK; does team keep their shape)

Formation: 1-1-4-1

60x55 yard field