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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


MIDDLESBROUGH


Tony Mowbray


Overview:


This session is about retaining and developing possession, plus switching play. It relies on smart decision making as well as excellent movement and communication between players.


This is an important practice for us because, in match situations, main- taining possession is vital. Doing so not only aids the creation of chances, but it serves to wear down the stamina of opposition players because they are constantly chasing the ball.


A recent feature of our play has been the scoring of late goals; keeping possession has proved vital in achieving this. In our match at Sheffield United on April 9, concerted ball retention helped create Martin Emnes’ 89th-minute winner. And Matthew Bates’ goal in the same game was a great example of play being switched, which is also a key feature of this session.


Passing and possession


PASSING AND POSSESSION


SET-UP AREA


28x26 yards EQUIPMENT


Balls, cones NUMBER OF PLAYERS


18 (12 attackers, 6 defenders) SESSION TIME


Practice 30mins, development 45mins


What do I get the players to do?


In a two-yard channel running across the middle of the playing area, we place four blue defenders. Either side are two groups of six reds, whose aim is to complete a minimum of three passes in passing through the middle zone. Progress this to four and five passes as players become more comfortable. Two additional blues go into the red area to press the ball. But should it be transferred, they must return to the middle zone and two new blues then press the reds in the other half. Once more, reds must construct a minimum of three passes before switching.


How doI progress the session?


Next we construct a 45x25-yard area, split lengthways into three 15-yard zones. This works as a 4v2 overload of reds in each zone. Reds must again construct three passes before moving the ball into the next zone. Players must stay in their allocated zones at all times.


36 Elite Soccer: The Collectors’ Series Volume 1 2a KEY


Ball movement


Player movement


Dribble


Reds make three passes before laying the ball into the next zone


www.elitesoccercoaching.net KEY


Ball movement


Player movement


Dribble


Three passes are made and the ball is transferred


1a


1b KEY


Ball movement


Player movement


Dribble


Two new blue players now press in the opposite half


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