Description - A session to encourage players to pass through midfield into the attacking third, trying to penetrate the back line. Pitch is 70 x 50 or to suit the age of your players. There is a 10 yard "neutral zone" in the middle of the pitch. Neutral players have a 3 touch restriction. In the diagram the neutral players combine with the reds to try to play in the red forwards. If the light blues win the ball they combine with the neutral players to play in the opposite direction.

Technical - Movement to create space, timing of runs, fast accurate passes.

Tactical - When to pass forward and when to keep the ball.

Physical - Game specific movement and tempo.

Psychological/Social - Teamwork, work as units.

Learning Objectives - Attacking players to anticipate build up play and make early moves to open up options to penetrate.

Attackers work off each other's movements. Attackers can "set" the ball back into midfield if they can't penetrate.

Defenders - stay compact where possible. Anticipate passes.

Progressions

1. A defender can enter the "neutral zone" to pressure the neutral players.

2. When the ball is played into the attacking third, a neutral player can join in to make a 3v3.

Description - 10 Attacks Penetration Game - The Coach feeds one of the support players outside the coned area. They try to play into the attackers who can combine to penetrate the defence. If the attackers cannot break through, they can play to any of the support players. If the defence wins the ball, they can play out to one of the support players. They play a 1-2 with the nearest support player and run the ball over the half way line. The coach then restarts with the next attack.

Technical - Anticipate opportunities to penetrate.

Tactical - Make runs to create & exploit space. If you receive with back to goal ;ook for opportunities to create 3rd man runs.

Physical - Game specific movements and tempo

Psychological/Social - Working as a unit, combining units.

Learning Objectives

1. Attackers - combination play.

2. Midfield - timing and release of forward passes. 3rd man runs.

3. Defenders - compactness in defence.

Progressions

1. Add in 2 or 3 small goals along the half way line, the counter attack can then be introduced by playing into the wide midfield players for a finish.

2. Progress to a normal game with an offside line 25 - 30 yards from goal.