Dealing with a Numerical Disadvantage
Dealing with a Numerical Disadvantage
How can we turn a numerical disadvantage into an even situation or a numerical advantage? Turning a 1v2 into a 1v1 or 2v1.
This session is for the defenders; make sure they have a chance to be successful. Don't make the fields too large.
Don't ficus too much on the attackers.
Focus points for the defenders:
- Scan and assess the situation.
- Be patient and press at the correct moment.
- Body positioning.
- Cut of the passing lane to the other attacker(s).
- Force the opponent with the ball to the outside.
- Turning the sideline into a 'teammate'.
- Work together with your goalkeeper. Make the shooting angel smaller and smaller, so it is easy for the goalkeeper to deal with the shot.
If there is not enough time, skip the final 8v8 game and end with the Pyramid Game.
Warm Up Circuit
Organization:
Use large cones as starting points for the two lines, and for a gate set up five yards away from the start. A line of small cones is placed at each end, in line with the players' dribbling runs.
Description:
Players receive passes made thru the gate and dribble towards the opposite end. When they reach the other end, they make their pass thru the gate and run over the short line of cones, moving laterally with high knees.
Focus Points:
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Running onto the pass.
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First touch.
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Running with the ball.
Focus on proper execution of the agility movements and the soccer technical skills. Pass with the correct speed to the correct foot.
Finishing Drill Into 2v1’s
Set Up:
Part One: Player 1 dribbles from the end line towards the opposite goal, and then combines with Player 2. After the combo, Player 1 passes up to Player 3, who lays the ball off to Player 2 for the finish. Player 1 rotates into the center, and the drill continues, starting with Player 4. Players 3 and 5 remain in their positions during the drill as the other four players shuttle back and forth across the field.
Part Two: Defenders are added in each half of the field, and the drill begins in the same pattern as the previous finishing drill. After the players combine in the center, the ball is passed into the attacking half to create a 2v1 to goal. Again, Players 3 and 5 remain in their positions (along with the defenders) as the other players shuttle across the field. During the drill, players switch into different roles every 5 minutes.
Coaching Points:
1. Communication – Make the verbal and visual cues early so that all three attackers know which combination is on.
2. Runs Off the Ball – Stay away from the midfield line and create space that you can run back into in order to receive.
3. Decision Making – Both attackers in the 2v1 should be looking for quick finishes on goal, with a minimum amount of passes made.
Progressions:
1. Two teams play 4v4, with 2v2’s in each half. Players can follow their own pass across to create a 3v2 advantage.
Focus on defending.
During the 2v1 part, can the defender get between the two attackers and force the attackers with the ball away from the goal, making the shooting angle smaller to help the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper needs to coach the defender. Work together.
3v2, Defending the Box
The players are 3v2 in the final third. The Feeder begins play with a pass in to any one of the three attackers. If the defenders win the ball, they can score on the two small goals placed out on the flanks. Upon completion, the Feeder re-starts play.
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Close the distance while the ball is moving.
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Curve your run to the ball to create 1v1s.
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The goalkeeper must send defenders to the ball quickly.
To give the defenders a chance to have success, don't make the field too wide. Make it 18 yards wide or full width of the box and 25 yards long.
The defenders must try to cut off the passing lanes to the center.
Force the attacker to the outside and end line, to make the shooting angle smaller to help the goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper needs to coach the defender.
Defenders and goalkeepers must work together.
After winning the ball, try to score as quickly as possible. Transition.
Pyramid Game
Field of 30y x 20y, 2 goals
Players next to both goals
From 1v0 to 1v2 to 3v2 to 3v3.
Attacking: Build Up
Transition: Attacking to Defending; Quick reaction after losing the ball
Defending: Pressure / Cover / Balance principles, 1v1 Defending, staying compact.
Transition: Defending to Attacking: Explode and quick first pass in transition.
The defenders must try to cut off the passing lanes to the center.
Force the attacker to the outside and end line, to make the shooting angle smaller to help the goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper needs to coach the defender.
Defenders and goalkeepers must work together.
After winning the ball, try to score as quickly as possible. Transition.
Another option for the defender is to force the attacker with the ball to amn area with more defenders. Force inside.
8v8 Game (1-3-1-3 Shape)
Organization:
Area: Half field, five to eight yards less than full width.
Create two teams and play seven plus a goalkeeper. Both teams play in a 1-3-1-3 formation.
Game: Keep track of the score.
Variations:
1. Add a player and play in a 1-3-2-3 formation
Focus Points:
Defending:
- Make fields small together.
- Role of defenders: pressure, cover, balance.
- Shifting, sliding, pushing up, dropping off.
- Keep correct distances between the defenders.
- Win the ball back at the right moment.
Attacking:
- Make the field large.
- Value the ball but playing deep goes over playing wide.
- Support the attacker on the ball. Make creative runs.
- Try to beat opponent in 1v1s or with quick combination plays
- Create scoring chances and score.
Transition:
- After losing the ball, win it back as quickly as possible. Five Second Rule.
- After winning the ball, explode, go forward and try to create a scoring c hance within 10 seconds.
Focus on the defenders forcing the ball towards the sideline or into busy areas with more defenders.