Defensive transition into effective possession

This session is focused on two main themes: defensive transition (against the ball) and regaining to build effective possession (with the ball).

The opening rondo is set in a small area to encourage transitions, giving players opportunities to react on losing possession and entering a transition phase. This will challenge opponents and their ability to manage the ball in tight situations under pressure. 

When setting up sessions I always think about the principles for the development of players and the team. Often two coaches working together on different specific principles drives learning. As the intensity and pace of the game increases in many competitive environments, key areas when developing players include the ability to manage the ball in small spaces and their reaction when their team loses the ball or enters a defensive transition. 

These key areas have often informed my coaching to improve players from high potential U17 academy level players to elite Premier League internationals.

In a tactical periodisation model, I use this session during Game Day -4 or on a “strength” day. Such days set loading specifically, as players experience a lot of changes in direction aligned to the ball moving in small confined spaces, delivering higher acceleration and deceleration movements. 

From a football perspective the aim is to challenge players not only physically but psychologically, stressing their reactions to transitions, challenging them to make effective decisions and then technically encouraging them to manipulate the ball under pressure, and to exhibit efficient receiving techniques and body positions to pass in a certain direction. This will be supported in the rondo by coaching the art of scanning to increase awareness. This follows into the tactical aspects of the session and the same session behaviours flow from the rondo into the small-sided game.

HEXAGON RONDO

We set up a hexagon shaped playing area of 26 yards in length with the top and bottom sides set at 15 yards. We are using 12 outfield players split into two teams of six. Three from each team start in the middle of the hexagon and three from each team position themselves on an outside line, as shown [1a]. 

[1a]

1. Three players from each team start inside the hexagon-shaped playing area. They have no restrictions on touches
2. Three players from each team start around the outside edges of the hexagon. They are limited to one touch
3. The team in possession aims to make 10 consecutive passes to score a point and then they continue passing
4. The out-of-possession team presses and tries to win the ball. The inside players can press the outside players, but the outside players can’t enter the hexagon

Players inside the hexagon have no restrictions on touches, while the players on the outside are limited to one touch initially – depending on ability this can change to two touch. The inside players can press the outside players, but the outside players do not enter the hexagon. The team in possession aims to make 10 passes to score a point and then they continue passing, attempting to use the overload players on the outside to increase their points total until the ball is lost, when they have the opportunity to counter press.

“When the pressing team wins the ball, they aim to consolidate possession as they transition to becoming the new passing team”

If the pressing team wins the ball, they must try to consolidate possession as they transition to becoming the new passing team and must try to make 10 consecutive passes to score a point, as shown [1b].

[1b]

1. If the pressing team wins the ball by tackling or, as here, by intercepting, they must consolidate possession and then transition to become the passing team
2. Having lost possession the blues quickly transition to become the pressing team
3. The new passing team must try to make 10 consecutive passes to score a point

If the ball is kicked out of the hexagon area, the coach’s role is to immediately pass another ball into play to support maintaining the intensity levels.

This practice can be developed by adding a neutral player into the hexagon, allowing the in-possession team to always have a 4v3 overload inside the area. Often the neutral will have touch restrictions.

Generally, we would play this rondo for six to eight rounds of two-minute blocks. After each round players rotate from the inside to the outside role.

SMALL-SIDED GAME

We set up a playing area of 40x24 yards with a full-size goal and a goalkeeper at each end and a halfway line marked out across the centre. We are using 12 players set up in two teams of six plus a goalkeeper so 7v7.

The blue team sets up in a 1-3-2-1 formation, whilst the red team sets up in a 1-3-1-2 formation. Play starts from the goalkeeper and teams aim to score in the opposing goal. They must, however, work the ball into the opposing half of the pitch to shoot and score, as shown [2a].

[2a]

1. The blue team sets up in a 3-2-1 formation and play starts from the keeper 
2. The out-of-possession red team sets up in a 3-1-2 formation and presses to regain possession
3. The possession team must work the ball into the attacking half before shooting

The variation in formations challenges ball pressure and counter pressing moments.

“Teams aim to score in the goal they are attacking but they must work the ball into the attacking half before they can shoot”

If a team either wins the ball back or loses the ball in their attacking half setting up transition, then counter presses and regains possession to then score, the goal counts double, as shown [2b]. 

[2b]

1. If a team loses the ball in their attacking half, then regains it on the counter press, as the reds do here, the resulting goal is worth double points

To progress the game, we then take away restrictions whilst continually focusing on the coaching principles. We often play six to eight blocks of two-minute games.

COACHING POINTS

What are the key things to look for?

The out of possession team’s focus is to regain the ball as quickly as possible and so actions such as direct sprinting to the ball carrier and the idea of not stopping short of the ball carrier facilitate pressure moments which are the triggers to an effective collective press and encourage their two team mates to tighten the “net” near the ball. 

Another key element with rondos when there are many transitions is effective communication. A clear example would be the non-verbal cues the initial pressing player gives to his/her two team mates and then the verbal communication they may give to support his/her action. 

Using the hexagon shape allows a multi directional element rather than a standard rectangle which is directional, this works well when challenging players’ awareness and scanning efficiency.

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

The first thing I would say the game teaches is that there’s a reason why we see what we see. Is it capability? A lack of understanding? Players differ in make up – some are problem solvers, while others are more creative. 

Observations from using the hexagon rondo include internal players taking too many touches and avoiding using outside players. Remember, despite touch restrictions in possession its 6v3 and increased spatial awareness will support ball possession. Without the ball often players run without structure rather than as a collective “swarm” that closes a “net” around the ball carrier, which would allow more effective counter pressing.