Coaching: Attacking Set Plays - Possession Football

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CONTROL

ATTACKING SET PLAYS

Please select a subsection from the topics below :

A basic introduction

Wide Free Kick

Possession Football

Progression

Attacking Corners

POSSESSION FOOTBALL

There are several practices which encourage players to retain possession of the ball for their team.

E.g. 2 v 1 in a 10 metre square as in diagram 1

X's pass and moves around the square (O) has to try and win the ball. If (O) wins the ball he replaces one of the X's and so the practice rotates.

Practice 1

This practice can be conditioned to permit the X's only 2 touches on the ball before they must pass.

The practice can be extended to 3 v 2, 4 v 2 and so on until we come to a possession game of 6 v 6 as in Diagram 2

4 players on the edge of each line of the square, with 2 from each side in the central area of 20 metres square.

The practice is for the X's + O's on the inside of the square to win the ball and then retain possession as long as possible

Practice 2

They can use their team mates on the edge of the square passing to them and either receiving a return pass or simply switching positions with the player passed to on the edge of the square.

So if (X1) passes to (X4), then (X4) can return the ball to either (X1) or (X2), or he can simply run into the square with the ball and (X1) would take his place in the edge of the area.

It is up to (O1) and (O2) to win the ball, the four O's on the edge of the area do not tackle in their practice.

Practice 3

12 players are used in an area 20 metres x 30 metres

5 attackers in possession of the ball (X3) - (X7) with 3 defenders (O1) - (O3) inside the area trying to win the ball back.

The X's also have (X1) + (X2) in the 30 metre side of each touchline and they can move along the line and can be used for wall passes.

5 attackers in possession of the ball (X3) - (X7) with 3 defenders (O1) - (O3) inside the area trying to win the ball back.

The X's also have (X1) + (X2) in the 30 metre side of each touchline and they can move along the line and can be used for wall passes.

O's must be encouraged to win the ball, when they have done so twice then one of their number changes places with one of the X's and so the practice rotates. The (X's) must be made to pass and move and in all these practices the key points are: -

1. Insist in good first touch on the ball when receiving.
2. Play the ball first time whenever possible.
3. Ensure the side in possession work on finding space to receive a pass.
4. Ensure all players stay committed, including the defenders who must be given a "rest break" if they fail to win the ball.
5. Keep the practice competitive, by counting the number of passes by the X's.
6. Encourage the use of both feet in passing, also the use of both the inside and outside of the foot.
7. Encourage "fainting" and full use of the area.