Week 47

Outcomes

• ✓Players can set up width, use a support pass, and switch the attack in one possession sequence.
• ✓Players can identify which tool — width, support, or switch — is needed at each moment.
• ✓Players can complete a coordinated team attacking move from defence to finish.
• ✓Players can explain their decision-making in each phase of a combined sequence.

Equipment

• 16 cones
• 8 bibs
• 8 balls
• 2 full-size goals
• 2 keepers

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Pairs, one ball, open space.

   How to run it: Continuous passing sequences: A passes wide to B (width), B plays back at angle to A (support), A switches to a third cone (switch). All without defenders. Count how many three-step sequences each pair completes in three minutes.

   • ›Each part of the sequence has a name — say it as you do it.
   • ›Width pass: reach across, firm pass.
   • ›Support pass: diagonal, open body. Switch: long, accurate.

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Groups of five, half-pitch, two full goals.

   How to run it: 5v0 choreographed attacking pattern: wide player receives (width), plays inside to support player (support), who switches to opposite wide player (switch), who delivers a cross for two central runners. Four reps from each side.

   • ›Timing of runs: central players start their runs as the switch is played.
   • ›Accuracy matters — this is a warm-up, not chaos.
   • ›After four reps, pick up the pace and add optional variation.

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: 5v3 (+keeper) on half-pitch. Three defenders positioned centrally. Attackers must use at least two of the three concepts (width, support, switch) before shooting.

   How to run it: Coach calls out which concepts are in play: 'Width and switch!' or 'Support and switch!' Attackers must complete the required elements before finishing. Defenders make it live.

   • ›Sequence matters: create width first, then decide support or switch.
   • ›Don't rush — take your time to set up each element.
   • ›Decision-making: if the switch is blocked, use support.

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: 4v4 on 40×30 yd, two full goals. A 'combination goal' scores double if the coach can identify all three attacking concepts (width, support, switch) in the same possession phase.

   How to run it: Teams aim for combination goals. Coach watches carefully and confirms with 'Combination!' when all three elements are present. Normal goals count one.

   • ›Be patient — combination goals take time to develop.
   • ›One player can be the 'connector' who links all three concepts.
   • ›Celebrate attempts even when the combination goal falls short.

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 6v6 including keepers, 50×35 yd, two full goals.

   How to run it: Free match. Coach observes and at the end of each five-minute period narrates one attacking sequence from memory, identifying which concepts appeared: 'That move had width, then a support pass — good pattern.'

   • ›The three concepts work together naturally — trust your instincts.
   • ›Don't force the pattern — the game will create opportunities.
   • ›Each player has a role: width holders, support movers, and switchers.

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Players seated in a line on the touchline.

   How to run it: Hip and lower-back stretches. Coach asks: 'Can someone describe a moment today where we used all three ideas in one attack?' Two players answer.

   • ›These three ideas are the foundation of team attacking play.
   • ›They work because they force defenders to cover more space than they can.

Outcomes

• ✓Players can organise a defensive unit using pressure-cover and delay simultaneously.
• ✓Players can transition from defensive transition to attacking transition in one sequence.
• ✓Players can select the correct defensive response based on their position and the situation.
• ✓Players can direct team-mates verbally into correct defensive positions during a game.

Equipment

• 14 cones
• 10 bibs
• 8 balls
• 2 full-size goals
• 2 keepers

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Groups of four, 20×15 yd grid. Two defenders, two attackers, one ball.

   How to run it: Attackers try to score in a small goal. Defenders assign roles verbally every time the ball moves: 'I've got pressure!', 'I'm cover!', 'I'm delaying!' Defenders earn a point for every clear verbal assignment heard by the coach.

   • ›Communication is a skill — practice it like a technical skill.
   • ›Assignments change when the ball moves — update constantly.
   • ›Loud and clear — quiet communication does not help in a match.

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: 4v4 keep-away, 20×20 yd. Defending team must assign roles verbally — pressure, cover, and two recovering players — before pressing.

   How to run it: Every time possession changes, the new defending team must shout their roles before the press begins. First team to miss three assignments loses the round.

   • ›Assign before you move — then move with purpose.
   • ›Roles can change mid-press — be ready to reassign.
   • ›If everyone tries to press, no-one covers.

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: 5v4 (+keeper). Four defenders defend a full goal. Attackers have a numerical advantage. Defenders must use all three principles: pressure on ball, cover behind, delay in transition.

   How to run it: Attackers rotate positions constantly. Defenders earn a point for every clean defensive sequence that lasts 30 seconds without conceding. Rotate one player between teams every three minutes.

   • ›Outnumbered: delay trumps pressure. Never both press at once.
   • ›Deep cover: drop to cut off the killer pass before pressing.
   • ›Win the ball, then look up — transition immediately.

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: 4v4, 35×25 yd, two full goals. After each possession sequence, the defending team must name the principle they used — pressure, cover, delay, or transition. Correct answer = bonus point.

   How to run it: Coach quizzes the defending team after each sequence: 'What did you use there?' Immediate reflection builds tactical awareness. Game runs continuously between quiz moments.

   • ›Self-awareness in defence is an advanced skill.
   • ›Most players defend instinctively — knowing why makes it teachable.
   • ›Reward correct answers warmly — it takes courage to answer.

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 6v6 including keepers, 45×35 yd, two full goals.

   How to run it: Free match with no added constraints. Coach observes and counts the number of times a defending player can be heard communicating their role. Announces total at half-time.

   • ›Quiet defenders are harder to play with than vocal ones.
   • ›A team that talks is a team that trusts each other.
   • ›Combine all defensive principles — they work best together.

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Players in pairs, light stretching.

   How to run it: Partner stretches — one holds while the other stretches. Coach summarises: 'Pressure, cover, delay, transition — four words that make a great defensive team.' Players repeat back.

   • ›Defence wins championships — but it also creates counter-attacks.
   • ›Every player needs to defend — from the forward to the goalkeeper.