Movement to receive the ball

This session is all about encouraging players to constantly make angles to get on the ball. It’s about providing space for others and options for the player in possession.

It’s an engaging session because players constantly demand to receive the ball and they do it with enthusiasm. It gives the players an understanding of how to help team mates create the space to receive the pass and it works on the quality of the pass to help a quick progression to the player receiving. It also helps players improve their awareness, both on and off the ball.

We would run this session once a week or every two weeks. We would definitely run certain parts of the session every week in the build-up to a match day. We use it to refocus the style of play we want from the team, no matter the opposition we are facing.

 

“This session gives players an understanding of how to help team mates create the space to receive”

UNOPPOSED PASSING BOXES

We set up a passing box of 10x10 yards, with four mannequins inside the box, as shown [1]. We’re using four outfield players, with  one  positioned  on  each side of the box. The players pass the ball around the box, from one side to the other or through the mannequins. We want to see the players alert and on their toes, constantly moving from side to side to change the angle of passing.

We would use the full squad for this and run five boxes concurrently. We would run this for two blocks of 10 minutes, with one minute’s  work  followed  by one minute’s rest.

 

[1]

“We want to see the players constantly moving from side to side to change the angle of passing”

UNOPPOSED ATTACKS

[2]

“We’re using a team of 10 players who attack unopposed and they must build up play and try to score in the goal”

 

We set up a playing area on half a pitch with a goal and a goalkeeper at one end and 10 mannequins representing the opposition, positioned in team shape as shown [2].

We’re using two teams of 10 players who take turns to attack unopposed and they must build up play and try to score in the goal. Play starts with the goalkeeper throwing or kicking the ball to the opposition’s back four and the team builds up play through the mannequins. We want to see players moving in relation to the movement of the ball, using quick forward passes. On the coach’s call, they must attack the goal and try to score.

We play for 20 minutes.

 

11v11 GAME

We set up on a full pitch with a goal and a goalkeeper at each end. We’re using 20 outfield players split into two teams of 11 including goalkeepers.

We play a normal 11v11 game, focusing on the principles of the session when in possession in the attacking half. Play starts and restarts from the goalkeeper, as shown [3].

We make sure players keep in a good team shape ready for transitions in possession, so they can exploit opportunities when attacking and are able to revert to a good recovery shape if the ball is given away.

We encourage players to make their own pictures on the pitch to create opportunities by receiving the ball on the half turn. We also want to see that players know how to help the player they are passing to and that players are always moving in relation ball. They should also demonstrate they are clinical with the final pass, cross or shot.

We play for 20 minutes.

 

[3]

COACHING POINTS

What are the key things to look for?

We want to see the whole team using the correct movement in relation to the movement of the ball, enabling players to have options to get on the ball and maintain a secure shape in transitions of possession.

All players must remain focused but relaxed in order to provide quality on the ball and they must have an awareness of the picture unfolding around them at all times.

We want to see players moving the ball at the correct speed and with a tempo of play that enables them to exploit spaces that open up. The players should also make sure they are in an efficient team shape on regaining the ball.

What are the typical mistakes players might make and how do I avoid them?

Sometimes players stop making angles when they think they won’t get the ball. To solve this the players must make good movements off the ball and when on the ball they must show they understand the type and quality of pass that leads to a breakdown in play.

We make sure teams play at match speed and we don’t let each part of the session go on for too long to keep it fresh and sharp.