Unlock Compact Defences Like Top Teams Do

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UNLOCK COMPACT DEFENCES LIKE TOP TEAMS DO

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INTRODUCTION

The following project analyzes how top teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munchen, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax create tactical situations during the games, in order to unlock compact defences and create scoring chances. Additionally, it is provided a training session composed of three or four practices (total 32) for each one of these situations to help coaches create similar tactical situations during the games.

© Copyright by Athanasios Terzis 2013

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1st TACTICAL SITUATION AJAX AMSTERDAM: CREATING SPACE FOR THE ATTACKING MIDFIELDER

On diagram 1 Ajax is building the attack from the back and Moisander passes to Aderweireld. Both the fullback and the winger of Ajax are placed near the sideline and keep the four opposition’s defenders as well as the four midfielders stretched. This means that the four defenders are not placed close to each other and it is easier for gaps to be created. Furthermore passing lanes are created between the four midfielders and it is easier for the players placed behind them to receive potential passes. Finally the attacking midfielder De Jong takes up a position between the lines.


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1st TACTICAL SITUATION AJAX AMSTERDAM: CREATING SPACE FOR THE ATTACKING MIDFIELDER

On diagram 1 Ajax is building the attack from the back and Moisander passes to Aderweireld. Both the fullback and the winger of Ajax are placed near the sideline and keep the four opposition’s defenders as well as the four midfielders stretched. This means that the four defenders are not placed close to each other and it is easier for gaps to be created. Furthermore passing lanes are created between the four midfielders and it is easier for the players placed behind them to receive potential passes. Finally the attacking midfielder De Jong takes up a position between the lines.


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The centre forward Eriksen drops back and towards the passing lane to provide a passing option. Opposition’s No 5 follows him deeper in the field and space is created behind him.


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De Jong attacks the free space and receives the ball after the quick (using one touch) passing combination between Eriksen and Lukoki. No 21 Boeriggter and No 6 Enoh enter the box to provide passing options during De Jong’s cross.

What is necessary to create a similar situation: -

To train players carrying out the specific passing pattern in the specific part of the field

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To train player in synchronizing their movements

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To train players in retaining possession at the back and find the available time and space to obtain a forward pass


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DRILLS FOR TRAINING THIS SITUATION DRILL 1

Objective: To train players in the specific passing pattern as well as in synchronizing their movements when creating and exploiting the free space. Players: 10 Description: The drill is executed in a playing area of 35X35 yards. A players pass the "

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ball to each other. As soon as one of them decides to move forward with the ball and drive the ball through the cones (trigger) player C of the strong side drops back to provide a passing option. A passes to C and C passes one touch to D while player B has already moved towards the free space (blue marked area). D uses also one touch play and passes towards the path of B. The last one makes a shoot towards the small goal. The players move one position forward (A to B, B to C, C to D). © Copyright by Athanasios Terzis 2013

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Coaching points: •

Quick combination play

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Synchronized movements

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Quick and accurate finishing DRILL 2

Objective: To find time and space in order to obtain a forward pass as well as to create and take advantage of the free space. Players: 13+GK Description: Inside the blue marked area there is a situation of 3+2 v 2. Inside the yellow area there are two red players (attacking midfielders) who help the three red players inside the blue area to retain possession.


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Furthermore there are two wingers placed outside the playing area and provide passing options for the two forwards placed inside the light blue area in a 2 v 2 against the two blue defenders. The aim of the red players inside the dark blue area is to find a way to drive the ball between the goals indicated by the yellow cones and obtain a forward pass towards the forwards. On the other hand the blue players try to win possession and drive the ball through the red end line in order to score. The two attacking midfielders (No 6 and No 10) help the three red players to achieve their aim. As soon as one of the reds moves with the ball between the yellow cones, the forward of the strong side drops deep outside of the light blue area to provide a passing option and create space. The attacking midfielder must attack the free space, receive the ball after the quick passing combination and shoot on goal. Restrictions: The defenders should man mark the forwards and follow them outside the area. They cannot cross the white line which divides the light blue playing area. The wingers outside the playing area as well as the attacking midfielders inside the yellow one (when playing as outside players) should use one touch. Coaching points: •

Retaining possession

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Quick and accurate finishing


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DRILL 3

Objective: To find time and space to obtain a forward pass as well as to create and take advantage of the free space. Players: 13+GK Description: The two teams play 3 + 4 outside players + GK v 4 inside the low area of the field. The red players with the help of the GK and the four outside players try to retain possession and find a way to make a forward pass towards the centre forward who is placed inside the blue area. As soon as one of the reds is ready to make a forward pass the centre forward must drop deep outside the blue area and carry out a passing combination with the help of the winger who is inside the dark blue area. The attacking midfielder should take advantage of the free space, receive the ball inside the blue area and score. In case the blue players inside the low area win possession they can score. © Copyright by Athanasios Terzis 2013

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Restrictions: The defenders cannot cross the white line and they should man mark the forward and follow him outside the area. The outside players use one touch or should pass within three seconds after receiving, while the wingers inside the dark blue area should use one touch. Coaching points: •


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2nd TACTICAL SITUATION AJAX AMSTERDAM: OVERLOADING A CENTRAL PART OF THE FIELD

On diagram 1 Ajax is trying to build up through the centre. As Alderweireld observes that the centre forward Eriksen is placed towards the weak side he passes to the defensive midfielder Poulsen. (If Poulsen wasn’t free the switch of play could have been made through a pass towards the other central defender). The two attacking midfielders Enoh and De Jong are placed between the lines. Enoh makes a move to take up position towards a potential passing lane.


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The blue midfielders shift and try to create a defensive triangle but Enoh takes up a good position and is able to receive a potential diagonal pass behind them. This positioning creates a 3 v 2 situation which is difficult for the blues to deal with. So the blue right fullback No2 is between two opponents Enoh and Boeriggter.


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As No2 decides not to move close to Enoh in order to avoid creating space for Boeriggter, Ajax’s attacking midfielder receives free of marking and turns quickly facing the opposition’s goal. As the opponent defenders shift, the centre forward Eriksen moves diagonally behind No 4 while Boeriggter on the left moves forward. Enoh has two passing options.


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In case No2 had decided to move close to Enoh in order to close him down quickly if the ball was directed to him, space is created for Boeriggter. Poulsen reads the tactical situation and makes a long pass towards Ajax’s winger.


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To train players in retaining possession possession at the back and finding the available available time and space to obtain a forward pass

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To train players in reading the positioning of of the forwards and recognizing where the overload takes place

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To synchronize synchronize the attacking midfielders’ movement movement towards the available available passing passing lanes with the moment that the player in possession is available to pass the ball forward

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To train the man in possession in making the appropriate decision according according to the tactical situation


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Objective: To train players to identify which part is overloaded in order to direct the ball towards this area. To train players to move towards the passing lanes at the right time in order to receive the potential passes between the lines. Players: 8+GK Description: The two central defenders pass the ball to each other and as soon as one of them decides to enter the dark blue area with the ball (trigger), the centre forward overloads the left or the right blue marked area and the attacking midfielder of the strong side should take up position towards a passing lane. If the ball is passed to the defensive midfielder with the aim of directing the ball towards the weak side’s light blue area, because the overload takes place there, the attacking midfielder of this area should take up a position towards the passing lane when the man in possession is able to pass the ball forward. © Copyright by Athanasios Terzis 2013

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It is the centre forward’s decision which area will be overloaded and it is the defender’s responsibility to read the tactical situation, recognize where the overload is and direct the ball towards the attacking midfielder of the overloaded side. This can happen either through the defensive midfielder as it is shown on diagram 1 or after a direct pass as it is presented on diagram 2. The new player in possession should turn quickly and choose one of the two options shown in the analysis in order for his team to score a goal. Variation: In case the team is using the 4-2-3-1 formation the most advanced positioned defensive midfielder must move forward and take up a position behind the opposition’s midfielders as it is shown on diagram 2. Coaching points: •

Reading the tactical situation

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Passing accuracy

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DRILL 2

Objective: To train players in identifying which part is overloaded in order to direct the ball towards this area. To train players in moving towards the passing lanes at the right time in order to receive the potential passes between the lines. To train players in making the right decision according to the tactical situation on the field. Players: 15+GK Description: This is a progression of the previous drill. The red team has now to attack against the blue team and score. The three blue midfielders are placed inside the yellow area trying to intercept the through passes. The man in possession has to read the tactical situation and make the right decision. On the example above the defensive midfielder directs the ball towards the winger who takes advantage the free space on the flank.


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Restrictions: The blue midfielders move only inside the yellow areas but they cannot enter the red ones which stand for the passing lanes. The blue defenders have to defend inside their own areas, however they can move outside of them if the reds have managed to drive the ball or pass the ball outside of them. Coaching points: •


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Passing accuracy

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DRILL 3

Objective: All the objectives of the previous drills as well as to train players in retaining possession at the back in order to find available time and space to make a forward pass. Players: 17+GK Description: The two teams play 3 v 2 inside the dark blue area whereas inside the light blue areas there is a 2 v 2 situation. The centre forward is placed in the central unmarked area and moves freely either right or left to create a 3 v 2. The three blue midfielders are placed inside the yellow area and seek to intercept the through passes. The red players inside the dark blue area try to retain possession and find a way to pass the ball forward towards the overloaded part of the field. When this takes place the blue midfielders can move out of the yellow area while the reds seek to take advantage of the 3 v 2 and score a


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goal. If the blues win possession they try to score within 8-10 seconds by moving one player inside the dark blue area (3 v 3). Restrictions: The blue midfielders cannot enter the red areas which stand for the passing lanes. The blue defenders have to defend inside their own areas, however they can move outside of them if the reds have managed to drive the ball or pass the ball outside of them. Coaching points: •


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Passing accuracy

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3rd TACTICAL SITUATION AJAX AMSTERDAM: OVERLOADING THE FLANK

The central defender Moisander passes to the left fullback Blind. The winger Boeriggter is placed towards the centre while the attacking midfielder Enoh takes up a position behind the blue midfielders. Boeriggter’s position creates space near the side line.


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Enoh moves to take advantage of the free space and creates a 2 v 1 situation on the flank as blue No 8 is away from him.


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Blind passes to Enoh and the last one receives and moves forward. No2 moves to close him down while Boeriggter moves behind him and Eriksen shifts to provide a passing option. The blue team has to deal with a situation of inferiority in numbers as No2 has to defend against two opponents. Enoh has two passing options.


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Passing option 1 leads No 21 in possession near the corner flag while there is a 2 v 2 inside the penalty area and Eriksen makes a move to receive just outside the box. The red team is balanced and ready to carry out successfully the negative transition as there are three defenders (No4, No3 and No2) against two forwards (No9 and No10) while the defensive midfielder (No5) and left fullback (No17) are in balanced positions.


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In case No 4 follows No 21 the centre forward Eriksen stays free of marking. Enoh passes him the ball, while No 10 and No27 use diagonal runs. Eriksen has two passing options.


To train players in creating space near the sideline

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To synchronize the attacking midfielders’ movement towards the available space as well as the centre forward’s movement towards the strong side with the moment that the pass towards the fullback is available

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To train the man in possession in making the appropriate decision according to the tactical situation on the field


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Objective: To train players in identifying towards which side of the field is the ball going to be directed. To train players in creating and exploiting space on the flanks. Players: 16+GK Description: The blue players take up positions indicated by the yellow cones. There are two blue players inside each yellow marked area near the side lines and the nearest central defender is free to decide whether is going to enter it or not. There are two centre forwards for the red team on the blue cones, however only one is permitted to participate in the attack. The two central defenders pass the ball to each other and as soon as one of them decides to drive the ball through the two blue cones (trigger), the winger of the strong side converges and creates space on the flank. © Copyright by Athanasios Terzis 2013

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At the same time the attacking midfielder moves to take advantage of it. The fullback receives and passes the ball to the attacking midfielder who then has to make the right decision according to the tactical situation. If the central defender decides to follow the winger the pass is going to be directed to No8. On the other hand if the central defender stays close to the centre forward, then the pass is going to be made behind the fullback and towards the winger. Restrictions: Restrictions: Only the central defender of the strong side can enter the yellow marked area. The blue defenders have to defend inside their own areas, however they can move outside of them if the reds have managed to drive the ball or pass the ball outside of them. Coaching points: •


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Decision making

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DRILL 2

Objective: To train players in identifying towards which side of the field is the ball going to be directed. To train players in creating and exploiting space on the flanks. Players: 18+GK Description: Description: This is a progression of the previous drill. The attacking midfielder now has to deal with the pressure of the blue defensive midfielder. So as soon as he makes a move towards the sideline the blue midfielder follows his run. If the red player (attacking midfielder), delays to proceed with the attack then the numerical superiority will be turned into equality in numbers. Restrictions: Restrictions: Except for the defensive midfielder, only the central defender of the strong side can enter the yellow marked area.


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The blue defenders have to defend inside their own areas, however they can move outside of them if the reds have managed to drive the ball or pass the ball outside of them. Coaching points: •


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Decision making

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DRILL 3

Objective: To train players in creating and exploiting space on the flanks. Players: 20 + 2GK Description: The two teams play 11 v 11. There are two yellow marked areas near the sidelines. In these areas only the fullback and the side midfielder of the blue team are allowed to enter while the red team can create a 3 v 2 with the winger the fullback and the attacking midfielder. This rule can be applied until the end of the game or only for an amount of time (e.g. for the first 15 minutes), after this the blue defensive midfielders are also allowed to enter the yellow areas. Both teams try to score.


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Decision making

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4th TACTICAL SITUATION ARSENAL: ATTACK ON THE FLANK THROUGH QUICK COMBINATION PLAY

The midfielder Rosicky passes towards the right fullback Sagna. Ramsey is moving between the lines and close to the ball zone to be ready to provide support. Ozil drops a few yards back to receive and as No3 follows his move he receives and directs one touch the ball to Ramsey. Ramsey passes back to Ozil (wall pass) and Ozil receives behind the opposition’s fullback who is caught by surprise due to the quick passing combination.


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Ozil has three options to pass the ball. The major danger for the whites comes from the passes towards the players who were placed between the lines and now are just outside the box (option 2 and 3). Arsenal looks balanced at the back as Koncielny and Mertesacker have to deal with one forward while Arteta, Rosicky and the two fullbacks are ready to intercept a potential clearance.


To train players’ technique while executing the specific passing combination

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To train the attacking midfielder’s movement in order to be well synchronized


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Objective: To train players in carrying out the specific passing combination with good technique. To train the synchronization of the supporting player’s (B) run. Players: 8 Description: The drill starts with player’s A pass towards player B. The last one has already got free of marking by touching the red cone and dropping back to receive. B plays the back pass towards A’s path and A passes to C. C drops back and passes one touch towards B’s path and B carries out the wall pass using also one touch. The ball then is directed towards the starting point of the drill on the other side. The drill is executed towards both sides at the same time. Players move one position forward (A to B, B to C). More players can be used in every station. © Copyright by Athanasios Terzis 2013

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Restrictions: All players should use one touch Coaching points: •

The weight and the accuracy of the pass needs to be correct

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DRILL 2

Objective: To train players in carrying out the specific passing combination with good technique and by using well timed runs in the specific area of the field despite the fact that this combination play can be used everywhere in the attacking third of the field. Players: 12+GK Description: The drill starts with the coach’s pass towards player D. The last one has already got free of marking by touching the red cone and dropping back to receive. © Copyright by Athanasios Terzis 2013

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D plays the back pass towards A’s path. A passes to B while D has already make a move towards the sideline. B passes to C who drops back and the last one carries out the 1-2 with D who uses a well timed run in order to provide support. Then C makes the cross either towards the centre forward E or towards the attacking midfielder D. The drill afterwards is executed towards the other side. All players move one position forward. Restrictions: All players should use one touch if possible. Coaching points: •


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DRILL 3


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Objective: To train players in carrying out the specific passing combination with good technique as well as by using well timed runs

Players: 14 Description: The two teams play 7 v 5 in a playing area of 40X40 yards. The team in possession plays with 7 players who seek to take up the appropriate positions in order to carry out the specific passing combination using one of the mannequins as their target. The two final passes (the set up-4th pass and the wall pass-5 th pass) must be carried out using one touch in order for the team to score a goal. In case the opponents win possession they should pass towards one of the two outside players. Then two players of the other team enter the yellow marked areas and the teams play 7 v 5 again. Coaching points: •


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Good positioning


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5th TACTICAL SITUATION ARSENAL: OVERLOADING THE STRONG SIDE AND OBTAIN A QUICK SWITCH OF PLAY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE 2 v 1

Rosicky Arsenal’s midfielder directs the ball towards the right fullback Sagna who is in an advanced position.


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Sagna receives the ball and Ozil drops back to provide a passing option as well as to be the safety player in case possession is lost. Furthermore both No12 Giroux and No16 Ramsey move close to the ball zone. Both white team’s central defenders shift towards the strong side to mark them. No2 takes up a balanced position to control No 28 Gibbs in a 1 v 1 situation. However the distance between No4 and No2 has increased and white team’s right back has to defend having no team mates near him.


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As Arsenal’s players pass the ball quickly in order to obtain a switch of play, Cazorla moves forward and creates a 2 v 1 situation against No 2.


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Gibbs passes to Cazorla who makes a move behind No2. The last one receives and makes a cross towards No16 and No12 in a 2 v 2 inside the box. Arsenal is well balanced at the back and ready for negative transition.


To train players in passing with speed and accuracy

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To synchronize the players’ movements towards the strong side to create an overload as well as creating a 2 v 1 in the weak side

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To train players in creating overloads in specific parts of the field


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Objective: To train players in creating overload in the strong side using well timed runs as well as in passing with speed and accuracy during switching play. Players: 8+GK Description: The players take up positions which are indicated by the red cones. The midfielders start to pass the ball with the aim of directing it towards the one side. During passing the ball towards the side, both the forward and the attacking midfielder move towards this side. As soon as the fullback receives the ball the winger drops back receive and starts switching the point of attack. When the ball reaches the weak side’s fullback, the winger makes a diagonal movement behind the mannequin, receives the ball and gets a cross. There can be more than one player in every cone in order to keep the drill running immediately after each cross.


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Speed and accuracy of the passes

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Good positioning

DRILL 2

Objective: To train players in creating overload in the strong side using well timed runs as well as in passing with speed and accuracy during switching play. Players: 8 + 2 v 6 + GK


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Description: The two teams play 8 + 2 outside players v 6. The yellow players with the help of the outside players move the ball from side to side and try to create overloads in order to force both the central defenders to move inside the marked area of the strong side. As soon as this takes place they try to take advantage of the 2 v 1 on the weak side by moving the ball quickly towards this side. If the white players win possession they try to drive the ball through the red end line or receive a pass within the dark blue area. Restrictions: The central defenders should follow the forward and the attacking midfielder inside the marked area when they try to overload the side. Coaching points: •


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Good positioning


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DRILL 3

Objective: To train players in creating overload in the strong side using well timed runs as well as in passing with speed and accuracy during switching play. Players: 20 + 2GK Description: This is a progression of the previous drill. The two teams play 10 v 10 + 2GK. The yellows have the same aim while the whites try to score if they win possession. Restrictions: The central defenders should follow the forward and the attacking midfielder inside the marked area when they try to overload the side.


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Good positioning


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6th TACTICAL SITUATION BORUSSIA DORTMUND: OVERLOADING THE CENTRE USING THE 4-2-3-1 FORMATION

Hummels, Borussia’s central defender has the ball. As the team has to deal with two forwards of the opposition, Bender the defensive midfielder drops back and creates a 3 v 2 situation. This positioning enables Borussia’s players to find available time and space in order to obtain a forward pass.


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Hummels finds available space and moves forward with the ball. As Hummels’s direction is towards the right side, the fullback Schmelzer drops back to provide safety at the back by retaining the numerical superiority (3 v 2) while the other fullback Gros/tz stays in advanced position. The positioning of the four players who are placed behind the midfielders creates a 4 v 3.


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Hummels finds the passing lane and directs the ball towards Lewandowski. Mkhitaryan makes the curved move and receives the back pass from Borussia’s centre forward facing the opposition’s goal. He has the option to take a shoot or pass to Blasz/wski.


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However in case the central defender No5 shifts quickly together with fullback No3 in order to close down Mkh/ryan and block the potential through pass, space will be created on the flank for the fullback Gros/tz.


To train players in creating numbers up situations at the back

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To train players in moving towards the potential passing lanes

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To train players in the specific passing combination

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To train players in making well timed runs to receive the final pass


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Objective: To train players in moving towards the passing lanes and carrying out two specific passing patterns. Players: 16 Description: The drill starts with player’s A pass towards B while D and C take up positions towards the two passing lanes. They have to be placed in different passing lanes. B passes back to A and for as long as the combination lasts D and C take up positions towards different passing lanes and are ready to receive A’s next pass. After A makes his second pass the two players have to carry out one of the two combinations shown on the diagram (depending on who receives the pass from A) and then pass to one of E players. The drill is executed towards the two sides at the same time. © Copyright by Athanasios Terzis 2013

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The weight of the passes needs to be correct

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Accuracy in passing

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Constant mobility

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DRILL 2


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Objective: To train players in retaining possession at the back in order to find available time and space to pass the ball forward. To train players in moving towards the passing lanes and carrying out specific passing patterns. Players: 8 Description: The four yellow players inside the blue marked area play against the two blue players. They try to retain possession and find the available time and space to pass the ball forward towards the attacking midfielder and the forward through the two passing lanes between the mannequins. These players seek to take up positions towards the two potential passing lanes and carry out the two passing combinations shown on diagram 1 and 2. They have to time their runs as soon as the forward pass is obtained in order to carry out the combination perfectly and score. In case the blues win possession they seek to drive the ball through the red lines in order to score. © Copyright by Athanasios Terzis 2013

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Restrictions: For as long the yellow players inside the blue area try to find a way to obtain the forward pass, the two forwards should move constantly Coaching points: •


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Accuracy in passing

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Constant mobility

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DRILL 3


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Objective: To train players in retaining possession at the back in order to find available time and space to pass the ball forward. To train players in moving towards the passing lanes and carrying out specific passing patterns. Players: 17+GK Description: The two teams play 4 v 2 inside the yellow marked area, while the blue defenders are placed inside the red area and seek to intercept the through passes. The blue defenders are inside the blue marked area. The yellow players inside the yellow area try to find a way to pass the ball towards either the centre forward or the attacking midfielder. As soon as this takes place the blue midfielders as well as the defenders can move out of their areas. The yellows try to score while the blues seek to win possession and score too. Restrictions: The blue players inside the red and the blue area can move out only when a forward pass is obtained. In case the blues win possession they can move only two players inside the yellow area (4 v 4) and they should score within 10 seconds. Coaching points: •

Accuracy in passing

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Constant mobility

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DRILL 4

Objective: To train players in retaining possession at the back in order to find available time and space to pass the ball forward. To train players in moving towards the passing lanes and carrying out specific passing patterns. Players: 17+2GK Description: This is a progression of the previous drill and the same rules are applied. Coaching points: •

Accuracy in passing

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Constant mobility

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7th TACTICAL SITUATION BORUSSIA DORTMUND: OVERLOADING THE LEFT CENTRAL PART OF THE FIELD AND ATTACK WITH THE FULLBACK’S WELL TIMED FORWARD RUN

Borussia Dortmund tries to build up. Hummels has the ball and as the team has to deal with two forwards Bender drops back towards the side line to create a 3 v 2. This action enables Dortmund players to find available time and space in order to make a forward pass. Sahin moves in a central position to provide balance.


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Hummels passes to Bender. As the new man in possession is able to pass the ball forward, Mkh/ryan makes a move towards the potential passing lane. Reus’s position towards the centre creates not only a 2 v 1 situation but also free space on the flank. In a situation like this No2 is forced to leave Mkh/ryan free of marking as he has already a player to mark. The left fullback Schmelzer is in a balanced position which enables him to move forward and take advantage of the free space as well as to move quickly back and control No7 in case possession is lost.


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Bender makes the forward pass and as Schmelzer moves to exploit the free space, Reus makes a move towards the centre and enters the box. This creates a 3 v 3 inside the box and increases Borussia’s chances to score a goal. Borussia is also well balanced at the back as there is a 3 v 2 and Sahin is in a position to provide immediate help to the defenders if necessary.


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In case Schmelzer is in a deeper position and No7 can easily track his forward run, Reus makes a move to create width and make it easier for his team mate to find the right solution during the 2 v 1 against blue No2. Mkh/ryan passes to Reus in a wide position and the last one makes the cross for Lewandowski and Blasz/ski in a 3 v 2 situation inside the box.


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If No2 decides to drop back and leave No10 under No5’s control, then space and time is provided to Mkh/ryan to make a diagonal killer pass. The right fullback Gros/tz moves forward to provide an option for a potential switch of play, as Schmelzer stays back.


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Finally if No 5 takes up a position which blocks the diagonal pass for Blasz/ski, No 10 can play the 1-2 with Lewandowski who has already taken up the appropriate position.


To train players in creating numbers up situations at the back

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To train players in synchronizing their runs

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To train players in decision making


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Objective: To train players in synchronizing their movements and reading the tactical situation (winger) Players: 12+GK Description: The coach starts the drill by passing towards one of the central defenders. The new man in possession will direct the ball towards the other side in order to give time to the players to synchronize their movements. So when No4 passes to No15 the defensive midfielders starts his dropping back movement. As soon as he receives the ball from No15, No10 moves towards the passing lane. No11 has to read the fullbacks position and move accordingly either towards the box (diagram 1) or towards the side line (diagram 2). The fullback starts his forward movement as soon as the defensive midfielder makes the forward pass towards No10. When the drill is going to be executed towards the right side, No9 and No10 of the left side don’t take part in the drill. © Copyright by Athanasios Terzis 2013

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Restrictions: The fullbacks don’t make forward runs in every repetition Coaching points: •


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DRILL 2


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Objective: To train players in synchronizing their movements as well as in decision making Players: 16+GK Description: This is a progression of the previous drill. This time the forwards have to deal with four blue defenders. Again the winger’s movement depends on the fullback’s participation in the attack. However No10 has to read the tactical situation and decide what is the best option according to the defenders’ reaction. Diagram 2 shows the potential options for No10 in case No2 passes the responsibility of his marking to No4. W hen the drill is going to be executed towards the right side, No9 and No10 of the left side don’t take part in the drill.


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Restrictions: The fullbacks don’t make forward runs in every repetition



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Decision making

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DRILL 3

Objective: To train players in synchronizing their movements as well as in decision making Players: 20 + 2GK


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Description: This is a progression of the previous drill. The teams play 11 v 11. There is a 4 v 2 situation inside the low unmarked area. The yellow players seek to retain possession and find a way to pass the ball through the red passing lanes. The blue midfielders as well as the yellow fullbacks are placed inside the blue marked area. As soon as the ball is passed towards the attacking midfielder inside the yellow marked area the blue midfielders can move out of the blue area. The yellows seek to take advantage of the 2 v 1 inside the yellow area and score as the blue central defender of the strong side can enter the specific area only after No10 receives the ball. In case the blues win possession they try to score. Restrictions: The blue midfielders cannot enter the red marked areas. However as soon as a forward pass inside the yellow area is obtained they can move out of the blue area. On the contrary the yellow fullbacks can move inside the yellow area whenever they want but they cannot drop inside the unmarked area to help their team mates. The blue central defenders can enter the yellow areas only after No10 receives the ball. If the blues win possession there are no restrictions as regards the marked areas and all the players move freely. Coaching points: •


•

Accurate passing

•


•

Decision making

•



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8th TACTICAL SITUATION REAL MADRID: CREATING A 2 v 1 ON THE FLANK

Real Madrid’s central defender Pepe has the ball. Modric makes a move to receive between the lines. On the right flank there is a 2 v 2 situation.


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As soon as the pass is made towards Di Maria near the side line, Isco moves near the ball area and creates a 3 v 2. Alonso drops between the two opposition’s forwards in order to create a 3 v 2 at the back.


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Isco continues his run behind No3 and receives the pass from Di Maria. Then he gets the cross for either Benzema or Ronaldo. Real is balanced at the back and ready for negative transition.


To train players in synchronizing their runs during the specific passing combination

-

To train players create overloads in specific parts of the field


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Objective: To train players in synchronizing their movements during the specific passing combination Players: 8 or more Description: The drill starts with B’s pass to A. A passes back to C and C directs the ball towards B’s path. At the meantime A starts his diagonal run towards the side line and receives B’s pass. The passing sequence is repeated as all players move one position forward (A to B, B to C, C to D, D to A). The drill must be executed in more than 3 big cones (as it is shown on diagram) and players can carry it out towards the other side at the same time. The players use one or two touches.


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•

The weight of the pass needs to be correct

DRILL 2

Objective: To train players in synchronizing their movements, overloading the specific part of the field and finishing with accuracy. Players: 10+GK


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Description: The drill starts with the coach’s pass to No3 and the passing combination between No3, No14 and No4, before the ball is directed to No19 and then towards the winger. As soon as No19 makes the pass towards No22, the attacking midfielder (No23) moves inside the yellow area and when No22 receives he makes the diagonal movement behind the mannequin. The cross is directed towards No9 and No7. Afterwards the drill is executed towards the other side and the coach’s first pass is directed to No4. Coaching points: •


•


•



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DRILL 3

Objective: To train players in retaining possession at the back, synchronizing their movements, and overloading the specific part of the field. Players: 15 + 2GK Description: The two teams play 4 + GK v 3 inside the yellow marked area. The yellows with the help of the GK (who plays as an outside player) try to find a way to pass the ball towards one of the wingers who at the right time move towards the side line to provide width. As soon as the forward pass is obtained, either the centre forward or the attacking midfielder enters the strong side’s yellow area to create a 2 v 1 and receive behind the fullback’s back. The weak side’s winger and the player left in the centre of the field move inside the box to receive the cross in a 2 v 3 situation.


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In case the blues win possession inside the low yellow marked area they can score by driving the ball through the red end line. Restrictions: The pass towards the white winger cannot be intercepted by the fullback. The central defender of the strong side is not allowed to enter the yellow area. Coaching points: •


•


•



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DRILL 4

Objective: To train players in retaining possession at the back, synchronizing their movements, and overloading the specific part of the field. Players: 20 + 2GK Description: The two teams play 6 + GK v 6 inside the blue marked area. The yellows try to find a way to pass the ball towards one of the wingers who at the right time move towards the side line to provide width. As soon as the forward pass is obtained, the attacking midfielder enters the strong side’s yellow area to create a 2 v 1 and then receive behind the fullback’s back. When the blues win possession there is no restriction as regards the marked areas and they try to score within 8-10 seconds.


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Restrictions: The pass towards the winger cannot be intercepted by the fullback. The central defender of the strong side is not allowed to enter the yellow area. As soon as the forward pass is made the players of the blue marked area can move out of it. Coaching points: •


•


•



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9th TACTICAL SITUATION REAL MADRID: THIRD MAN’S RUN

During Real Madrid’s building up from the back Pepe has the ball. Modric drops back towards the free space to receive unmarked.


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As Modric receives the pass and moves forward with the ball, Isco makes a forward movement. At the same time Benzema drops back towards the passing lane to receive. As Benzema’s direct opponent (No5) follows his move, space is created behind him and Isco moves to exploit it.


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Modric passes to Benzema and the last one using one touch directs the ball towards the free space. Isco receives and shoots on goal.


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In case the fullback No 3 shifts quickly towards the centre and fills the gap, Isco can pass the ball to Di Maria who has available space on the flank. Alonso stays close to the defenders in order to provide safety at the back by creating a 3 v 2 situation.


To train players in retaining possession at the back

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-

To train players in synchronizing their runs during the specific passing combination


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Objective: To train players in synchronizing their movements and carrying out the specific passing combination. Players: 12 Description: Player A passes to D and D makes a back pass to the same player. A passes on the run to B who drives the ball between the two blue cones. As soon as he moves through the cone gate (trigger), D makes a forward run while C drops back. B passes to C and C using one touch directs the ball towards the blue marked area. The same combination is executed towards the other side at the same time.


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•


DRILL 2

Objective: To train players in synchronizing their movements and carrying out the specific passing combination in the specific part of the field. Players: 8+GK Description: After a passing combination between the two central defenders (No4, No3) and the defensive midfielder No19, the last one opens up and receives the ball from No3. Then he moves quickly forward between the two blue cones (trigger).


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The attacking midfielder who is placed lower in the field makes the forward run while the centre forward drops back. No19 passes to the centre forward who has moved in front of the mannequin and the last one directs the ball using one touch towards the blue marked area. The attacking midfielder receives and shoots on goal. Then the drill is executed towards the other side using the same passing combination. Coaching points: •

Quality in passing

•


•


DRILL 3


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Objective: To train players in retaining possession, synchronizing their movements and carrying out the specific passing combination. Players: 13+2GK Description: The two teams play 4 + GK v 3 inside the blue marked area. The whites with the help of the GK seek to retain possession and find a way to obtain a forward pass, while the blues try to win possession and drive the ball through the red end line to score. Inside the central unmarked area there are two white players (attacking midfielders) in order for the whites to be able to carry out the passing combination in both sides. Inside the dark blue area there is a 2 v 2. The blue defenders have to man mark the two forwards and follow them outside the area. As soon as the player in possession inside the light blue area is able to pass the ball forward, the attacking midfielder moves forward and the centre forward of the strong side drops back. The players try to carry out the specific passing combination and score a goal. The defenders who man mark don’t try to block the passes. Coaching points: •

Quality in passing

•


•



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10th TACTICAL SITUATION BAYERN MUNCHEN: STRETCHING THE OPPOSITION’S DEFENCE

Bayern Munchen uses the 4 -1-4-1 formation and Ribery with Robben are placed near the sidelines. Kroos and Schw/ger take up positions between the lines. Rafinha and Alaba are placed towards the centre to keep the team balanced. Alaba the ball carrier passes to Ribery on the flank as the passing lane towards Kroos is blocked.


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Ribery receives the ball and No2 together with No7 move to double mark him. In the meantime Kroos moves behind No2’s back and the central defender No4 follows his move. This action stretches the blue team’s defence as only two players stay in the centre of the field against two Bayern’s players. Furthermore Robben is free on the right flank. The aim for Bayern now is to move the ball towards Muller or Schw/ger in order to take advantage of the situation. Lahm moves to provide a passing option towards the centre.


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Ribery passes to Lahm and the last one searches for the forward pass. As the passing lane towards Muller is narrow Lahm’s choice is Schw/ger. No3 doesn’t move forward to put him under pressure as this would create space for Robben. So he leaves Schw/ger free of marking.


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Schw/ger has to make the right decision according to the defenders’ reaction.


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In case the passing lane towards Muller is not blocked, Lahm can pass to him and Muller if he is left free of marking he can turn and pass either to Schw/ger or Robben. If No5 decides to put pressure on him, a pass using one touch towards Schw/ger will lead to a 2 v 1 situation with Schw/ger and Robben against No3. What is necessary to create a similar situation: -

To train players in using runs which force the central defenders to shift near the sidelines

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To train players in moving quickly the ball towards the specific part of the field by passing through the available passing lanes or in case there aren’t any by using accurate long balls

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To train players in getting familiar with the 3 v 2 situation outside the box © Copyright by Athanasios Terzis 2013

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Objective: To train players in obtaining through passes and in moving towards the potential passing options. Finally to train players in synchronizing their movements during carrying out the potential passing combinations. Players: 11+GK Description: The red players take up the positions indicated by the yellow cones (there are two players in each attacking midfielder’s position). The defensive midfielder starts the drill by passing towards the winger and then shifts to provide support. At the meantime the attacking midfielder of the strong side moves diagonally behind the pole. The winger passes back and the defensive midfielder seeks to make a successful pass between the mannequins targeting one of the two forwards inside the weak side’s marked area (whitethe area indicated by the red cones).


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After the pass is obtained the three red players try to carry out one of the combinations shown in the analysis. The weak side’s winger has already moved in a forward position and he is ready to take part. The drill then is executed towards the other side and the forwards should receive inside the light blue area (indicated by the dark blue cones). The midfielders can also try accurate long passes towards the weak side’s attacking midfielder (diagram 2). Coaching points: •

Accuracy in passing

•


•

Quick and accurate finishing DRILL 2


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Objective: To train players in obtaining through passes and in moving towards the potential passing options. Finally the players learn to make the right decisions during playing 3 v 2 in the specific part of the field. Players: 11+GK Description: This is a progression of the previous drill. This time after the through pass is obtained, the red players play 3 v 2 (until the strong side’s central defender is back again) inside the white marked area and the man in possession has to decide what is the best option, according to the defenders’ reaction. The central defender of the strong side has to follow the attacking midfielder’s movement and move at least beyond the red line. After the through (diagram 1) or long pass (diagram 2) is obtained the central defender can move back and help his team mates. The red players have to quickly take advantage of the 3 v 2 situation inside the marked area and score. © Copyright by Athanasios Terzis 2013

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The drill then is executed towards the other side and the forwards should receive inside the light blue area (indicated by the dark blue cones). Coaching points: •

Accuracy in passing

•


•

Decision making

•


DRILL 3


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