close
MENU
LOGIN
You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
Playing through the thirds
This session is all about encouraging the team to play through the thirds, with a particular emphasis on keeping the ball on the floor in all areas of the pitch. It’s geared towards creating skilful players who can handle the ball under pressure and it gives players plenty of touches, which will keep them constantly engaged.
| Area | Up to 60x40 yards |
| Equipment | Balls, bibs, cones, 2 full size goals |
| No. of Players | 14 players + 2 goalkeepers |
| Session Time |
Main practice: 30mins, Progression: 30mins |
This session is all about encouraging the team to play through the thirds, with a particular emphasis on keeping the ball on the floor in all areas of the pitch. It’s geared towards creating skilful players who can handle the ball under pressure and it gives players plenty of touches, which will keep them constantly engaged.
We would run this session throughout the season regardless of the upcoming opponent, as the basic principles of this practice are at the heart of our club’s philosophy. It’s a great session and it’s unique too, as we run it all the way through the age groups, from U9s to the first team.
What do I get the players to do?
We set up a playing area of 60x40 yards with a goal and a goalkeeper at each end. The area is divided into thirds. We’re using 14 outfield players divided into two teams of seven.
Players line up with both teams in a 2-3-2 formation, as shown [1].
1
2. Passes should be crisp and the ball must be played on the ground at a high tempo
3. Look for players to make diagonal runs towards the corner flag to receive
One team starts in possession and looks to attack through the thirds, making sure the ball is touched in each zone. The aim is to score as normal, but we encourage players to make diagonal runs towards the corner flag in the final third.
As coaches, we want to see the ball played on the floor and we would discourage lofted passes.
How do I progress the session?
We progress the session by making some small changes to the set-up of the main activity, such as using different numbers of players. Here we have changed the formation and are playing 4v4 in midfield, and we have added a floater who plays for the team in possession, as shown [2]. Teams are restricted to playing passes on the ground – passes over head height are not allowed.
2
2. A floater is added to give the attacking team an overload in the midfield
3. Encourage players to make diagonal runs
4. Look for other players to support the pass and the diagonal run
What are the key things to look out for?
We would look for play to be of a high tempo and passes played crisply along the ground, using the correct weight of pass. We also want to see players checking over their shoulders for options, and passing forward with a first touch when possible.
Players should be encouraged to break into space and make diagonal runs to the corner flag in order to receive the ball behind the defence, rather than making predictable runs in straight lines.
Players should also break forward using quick no-touch turns.
Related Files
ABOUT US
Latest Issue
Subscribe Today
Editor's Picks
Using the goalkeeper in build-up play
Pressing principles
Intensive boxes drill with goals
Penetrating the final third
Creating and finishing
My philosophy
Pressing initiation
Compact team movement
Defensive organisation
Coaches' Testimonials
Alan Pardew
Arsène Wenger
Brendan Rodgers
Carlos Carvalhal
José Mourinho
Jürgen Klopp
Pep Guardiola
Roy Hodgson
Sir Alex Ferguson
Steven Gerrard
Get a free eBook
Coaches' Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Join the world's leading coaches and managers and discover for yourself one of the best kept secrets in coaching. No other training tool on the planet is written or read by the calibre of names you’ll find in Elite Soccer.
In a recent survey 92% of subscribers said Elite Soccer makes them more confident, 89% said it makes them a more effective coach and 91% said it makes them more inspired.
Get Monthly Inspiration
All the latest techniques and approaches
Since 2010 Elite Soccer has given subscribers exclusive insight into the training ground practices of the world’s best coaches. Published in partnership with the League Managers Association we have unparalleled access to the leading lights in the English leagues, as well as a host of international managers.
Elite Soccer exclusively features sessions written by the coaches themselves. There are no observed sessions and no sessions “in the style of”, just first-hand advice delivered direct to you from the coach.
