Organization:
Field of 25y long x 20y wide. The size of the field can vary and depends on the goal of the activity, the age group and the skill level of the players. Place two small goals on each end line. The attackers set themselves up in a large triangle with the deep player high up the field. One defender stands behind the high attacker, the other defender higher in the midfield. The coach/feeder plays the ball to one of the wide attackers, who must play the next ball deep. The defender in the midfield can start defending a soon as the first pass is made. When the ball goes over the sideline, the attackers must pass the ball back onto the field. The defenders can also dribble the ball back in. The turn is over when a goal is scored, or the ball goes over the endline. Rotate positions between attackers and defenders after several minutes.
Variation:
Instead of the coach, an active field player passes the first ball in.
Focus Points:
Attacking:
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Deep player stays deep, moves left/right to get open.
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Think Deep!
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Good possession-play in the buildup to prepare for deep ball.
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Direct play or receive first?
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Movement of the attacker after the layoff
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Keep the field large.
Defending:
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Pressure on the ball.
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Cut off the passing lane to the deep player.
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Tight on the receiver of the long ball.
Transition Attacking to Defending
- Try to win the ball back as quickly as possible. 5-Second Rule.
- Make the field small.
- Pressure the ball.
- Protect own goal.
Transition Defending to Attacking
- Explode away after winning the ball, quick pass or dribble into space.
- Make the field large quickly.
- Create a scoring chance as quickly as possible.