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Build and retain
A three-part session to help your players develop and then exploit 2v1 situations, starting with controlling the build-up through possession, before progressing to more game-realistic scenarios. Session structure: Practice 1, Practice 2, Small-sided game.
WHY USE IT
This three-part session helps players develop and exploit 2v1 situations, starting with controlling the build-up through possession, before progressing to more game-realistic scenarios.
Practice 1
Set up
Mark out a playing area relative to the age and ability of your players. Divide it in half, with a 2v1 in favour of the Blues in each half.
How to play
This is a possession-based practice looking at drawing a defender to release a team-mate. Players are locked into their half and must make at least two passes before transferring to the other half. This stops the ball going too quickly box-to-box and brings out learning objectives. If a defender wins the ball they drop their bib and the player who lost possession becomes the defender.
Adaptations & progressions
If you are a player short, adapt so the player who passes the ball joins the other box. You can progress the practice by introducing mini goals for the defenders to score into.
Coaching points
Player on the ball: draws the pressure and needs a good first touch to prepare the next pass.
Player off the ball: offers a passing angle, with an open body to enable playing of the next pass.
- Players start 2v1 in each half of the area
- Players aim to transfer the ball to their team-mates in the other half of the area
- If a defender wins possession, they swap places with the attacker who lost possession
Practice 2
Set up
Mark out a playing area relative to the age and ability of your players. If possible, set up in and around the penalty area so it is reflective of a game situation.
Use one mini goal at one end with two mini goals at the other. Mark out a zone just outside the penalty box.
How to play
The aim is to exploit the 2v1 and run with the ball to create an overload in the next zone. Players rotate from spot A1 to A2 to A3 to experience different positions and skills on and off the ball.
The ball starts from A3 (defensive midfielder) who passes the ball into one of the two centre-backs. The centre-backs can’t score from the first zone. Only one presser in the first zone (2v1).
Scoring system
In-possession: Score in either mini goal = 1 point.
Out-of-possession: Force a mistake or win the ball = 1 point. Win the ball and score in the main goals = 2 points.
Adaptations
Use different starting positions (depending on session outcomes) or swap the mini goal for a full-size goal and play from a goalkeeper.
Coaching points
Commit the defender and exploit the 2v1. Run with the ball in the available space. Take first touch forward where possible.
Defensive midfielder - diagonal positioning from the player running with the ball to get the second presser away or receive to play forward by adopting an open body shape.
Talk individually to defensive midfielders about their positioning off the ball when players run with it.
Related Files
- Possession starts with the centre-midfielder (A3) who passes into one of the two centre-backs (A1 or A2)
- A1 and A2 aim to exploit their 2v1 advantage against D1, to enable one to break out of the defensive zone with the ball
- A3 drops deep to support their team-mate in a 2v1 situation against D2, aiming to score in a mini goal
Small-sided game
Set up
Mark out a playing area relative to the age and ability of your players. Divide it into three zones, with the middle zone bigger than the two end zones. Place a goal at each end.
How to play
The aim is to exploit the 2v1 and run with the ball to create an overload in the next zone. All the players are locked in their zones, as per illustration - 2v1, 3v3, 1v2 respectively.
They can pass to the next zone but they can only join it to create an overload by running with the ball. If their team loses the ball, they have to run back to their zone. The ball restarts from the coach who feeds it into the first zone.
Progressions
Progress to introduce goalkeepers and then eventually remove restrictions to play a normal small-sided game.
Coaching points
Commit a defender and exploit the 2v1. Run with the ball to create overloads. Take first touch forward where possible.
Defensive midfielder - diagonal positioning from the player running with the ball to get the second presser away or receive to play forward by adopting an open body shape.
- Players begin locked in their zones - 2v1 in favour of the defence in each end zone, and 3v3 in the middle zone
- Players can only progress to the next zone by running with the ball
- If possession is lost, players must return to their original zones
Mike Hall
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