Possession "Establishing Length"

Purpose:

Length is the ability of a team to stretch the field vertically creating space between the defense as the attackers are spread apart.  A team that stretches the field vertically forces the defenders to move with them making seams in the middle of the field.  A team that is not spread apart allows the defense to play compact eliminating seams.  By creating this space the attacking team can possess by checking in seams and playing on diagonals moving the ball with ease and precision

Equipment:

Cones, pinnies, balls.

Progression:

Unrestricted:
and moving. As the warm up progresses players are forced to make a pass then run and touch the line. This creates space in the grid. The instruction can also be on technical receiving such that as possession begins it can move smoothly

Restricted: 
Same as above but add some defenders who are “passive” an aggressive presence but not trying to win the ball.

One goal with counters: 
The game becomes 4 v 4 + T’s. The players must possess with at least three passes, and play at least one thru the keeper before finding the Target. The game progresses to the target playing the ball back for shots on frame.

Two goals: 
The targets move into the game and are no longer required to stay on the endline, however emphasis on staying long and checking into the seam is not a priority.

Coaching Points:

• Stretch the field
• Play on diagonals
• Play the way you face
• Show to the ball in seams
• Play quick and aggressive
• Play away from pressure
• Look to find the long target first, then support the ball into the target
  

Activity

Setup

Passing and Moving

• The players are all in a large grid
• One ball per four players. Just passing, progress to two touch passing
• After a pass, sprint to touch the line you’re facing
• Add defenders who are “passive” -100% but not trying to win the ball
  

Coaching Points:

• Receive to be ready to pass quickly
• Check to the ball in the seam
• Receive across the body
• Push the ball to open space
• Stretch the field
• Pass and run forward
  

ex: make a pass, then run forward

Eight players = 2balls
Look to play the longest target

4v4 + Targets in a 50x40

• Four v four in the middle (one designated as “sweeper/keeper” – an aggressively playing keeper
• One target per team (they can and should move)
• One point for finding the target
• Must play thru “keeper” before going to target
• Score and Target plays to the other team

Coaching Points:

• Play diagonals, play the way you face
• Play quickly across your body
• Always be looking long to find T as quickly as possible
• Quickly get shape
  
  

4v4 plus Targets in a 50x40

• Make two teams
• One player from each in the middle
• Ball starts on the outside
• Teammate play to player in the middle who must turn, face and beat the opponent, then they play out and the other dribbles in
• The defender is in until he wins, then he can play out or beat the new defender and get out

Coaching Points:

• Check to the ball in a seam
• Knock it down and deal with it
• After checking in, stretch the field again
• Can you find a seam with space?

5v5 in a 50x40

• Just play
• Play a 3-2 and train the forwards to work together(more advanced)
• If in a 3-2 forwards should work as short and long targets in lines
  Or just play but focus on length

Coaching Points

• Establish length
• Then check to the ball in seams
• Knock it down and deal with it.
• Play the way you face
• Find the runner moving forward
• Play on diagonals
• Spread the defense apart with length and width
• Can you find the long target first