All players need to know how to beat the offside trap and how to stay onside, particularly forwards and midfielders. This session will help them learn how to do it. When opponents play a defensive high line or favour the offside trap, they are always vulnerable. This teaches players to get behind the defence with well-timed runs and passes.
The playing area can vary from 40×30 yards to a full pitch, depending on age and ability. Divide the area into thirds. Each ‘end third’ has three defenders and two attackers, and the centre contains four midfielders.
The server begins each phase by passing to any midfielder. Midfielders combine before passing to either forward at either end. Under pressure from defenders, forwards hold the ball up and pass back to any midfielder. As soon as the ball is passed back, all opposing defenders must ‘step up’ to try to play the forwards offside.
Both forwards must drop to stay onside. As they do so, midfield players make forward runs from deeper positions and the midfielder in possession attempts to find them with a well-timed and angled passes.
Forwards must act as decoys and learn to stay onside, and midfielders should consider the timing, speed and angle of their runs and passes.
When it comes to winning the ball back attackers, who are mainly there to score goals, are as central to the plan as any defensive player on the pitch. It is their job to win the ball back as high up the pitch as possible, gaining possession in dangerous areas where the opposition are most vulnerable. MORE
in Formations, Tactics
The pros and cons of 9v9 formations... tactics for the 3-2-3 formation MORE
When teams are attacking late runs into the box from wing backs are very difficult to pick up. This session shows players how to run late and strike early. MORE
in Email newsletters, Small Sided Games, Tips and advice
I'm one of the lucky ones. Where I coach there is acres of space to do sessions that need big spaces to work in. But then again I rarely use big spaces when I coach! I like to work in tight areas. MORE
in Psychology, Tips and advice
Mentally strong people have healthy habits. They manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in ways that set them up for success in life. Check out these things that mentally strong people do. MORE
in Goalkeeping, Tips and advice
Having a trustworthy, proficient keeper positively influences the mindsets and playing abilities of all players in front of him. This is a session for goalkeepers that coaches them in the basics of anticipating crosses and dominating their area. MORE
