Creating opportunities to break lines

FOUR-GOAL GAME

We set up in an area 48 yards in length and 44 yards wide, with flats marking playing areas, and four mini goals as shown. We play 11v11: 10v10 on pitch, and the goalkeepers positioned off pitch between the two mini goals.

The attacking team (the reds in this example) are set up in a 4-3-3 formation, while the defending team (the blues in this example) are set up in a 4-4-2. The ball starts with the goalkeeper of the attacking team.

In the first phase, the build phase, goalkeeper and the centre backs are looking to eliminate the forward line of the defending team. The midfielder acts as a single pivot, rotating low to offer an option, while the two 10s are in place at all times. The wingers and forward start high. They can drop in to receive, but the height must be replaced if they do so [1a].

[1a] First phase: build

1. The attacking team sets up in a 4-3-3 formation

2. The defending team sets up in a 4-4-2, organised on the flat marker lines

3. The ball starts with the goalkeeper

4. The goalkeeper and the centre backs look to eliminate the forward line

5. The midfielder acts as a single pivot, rotating low to offer an option

6. The wingers and forward start high

7. Players on the forward line can drop in to receive, but the height must be replaced if they do so

In the second phase, the create phase, the aim is to eliminate the defending team’s midfield line, working specifically on coordinated movement to disrupt the opposition to create options to receive between or behind that line [1b].

In the third phase, the finish phase, we look to play between or behind the defensive line, working on the timing and the type of movements to receive onside. This off-front movement needs to be supported with in-behind runs [1c].

The defending team begin organised, and set up on the flat marker lines. When play starts, the defending team have restrictions on which units can move to defend. The freedom for each unit increases as the practice builds. As the practice progresses, we can also enable defending the space in front, but the forward and midfield units cannot defend the space behind them once the line has been broken.

[1b] Second phase: create

1. The attacking team look to eliminate the midfield line

2. We’re looking for coordinated movement to disrupt the opposition to create options to receive between or behind the lines

[1c] Third phase: finish

1. The attacking team look to play between or behind the defensive line

2. We’re looking for the timing and type of movements to allow players to receive onside

3. Off-front movement needs to be supported with
   in-behind runs

4. In this example, the defensive line are unable to defend the space behind them once the line has been broken
   
   

TWO-GOAL GAME

We set up the full width of the pitch, and from one edge of the box to the other, with two full size goals in place. Increasing the length of the pitch from the first practice allows for more space to play in behind. We play 11v11, the attacking team set up in a 4-3-3, and the defending team in a 4-4-2.

The defending team begin organised, set up on the lines. Play begins with the attacking goalkeeper. Restarts are as normal except there are no corners, these are replaced with throw-ins for the attacking team in the attacking third [2a].

One point is awarded for a goal scored against the organised set up [2b]. Two points are awarded for a goal scored in under six seconds following transition to attack [2c].

When defensive units are broken they can track back to defend behind, with the exception of and the defending centre backs, who can only come up to the defensive third line, which acts as the offside line. This gives the attacking team an opportunity to exploit space on transition.

As the session progresses, restrictions are reduced, resulting in a full opposed 11v11.

[2a] 

1. The attacking team set up in a 4-3-3

2. The defending team set up in a 4-4-2, organised on the flat marker lines

3. Play begins with the attacking goalkeeper

4. Play progresses and a tackle is made in the final third, resulting in the ball going out for a corner

5. A throw-in is taken in the attacking third instead

[2b] 

1. The attacking team score against the organised set-up

2. They are awarded one goal

[2c] 

1. In this example, the defensive unit is broken on the line following transition

2. The defending centre backs cannot track back beyond the line to defend

3. The attacking team has an opportunity to exploit space on transition

4. The attacking team score on transition and are awarded two goals

coaching points

What are the key things to look out for?

• Creating space
• Timing and coordination of movements to disrupt organised shape
• Receiving capabilities and ball preparation in order to play forward and exploit space at earliest opportunity
• Decision-making and execution - variation of speed and/or distance of action to break lines