Attacking As a Team AWS
Joseph Luxbacher, PhD Director of Coaching
USC Travel Soccer - Week #8 Coaching Curriculum
COACHING TOPIC
Principles of Team Attack & Defense Team Attack The fundamental objectives of team attack are to outnumber opponents in the area around the ball, to create and exploit gaps of open space within the opposing defense, and to ultimately finish the attack with a goal scored. The teamwork required to achieve those objectives will occur only when players have a clear idea of what the team is trying to accomplish when it has possession of the ball. A summary of fundamental attacking principles follows…. 1. Player mobility Players without the ball should be moving constantly to make themselves available for passes and to create space for their teammates. Effective off-the-ball (without the ball) movement will create passing options for the player on the ball, will draw opponents into poor defensive positions, and will clear space for teammates to fill. 2. Width and Depth in Attack When in possession of the ball the team should attempt to stretch the field vertically and horizontally so as to stretch the defense and maximize use of the available space. Effective passing combinations coupled with proper player movement and positioning will require the opposing team to cover a larger field area, creating
gaps of space within the defense that can be exploited by the attacking team. This is commonly referred to as the proper attacking shape. 3. Improvisation (dribbling to penetrate) Dribbling skills are used to best advantage in the attacking third of the field near the opponent’s goal, an area where the positive benefits of beating an opponent on the dribble outweigh the potential negative consequences of loss of possession. If you can penetrate past an opponent by dribbling in the final third, you’ve probably created an excellent scoring opportunity. Loss of possession in this area will not pose an immediate threat to your own goal. 4. Collective Team Support Soccer is sometimes referred to as a game of triangles. This analogy refers to the general positioning of players in relation to their teammates. If the field players position at the proper depth and angle of support with respect to nearby teammates, then the organization of players does resemble a series of interconnected triangles. These triangles are not static, however, because players constantly adjust their positions based on the changing location of the ball and movement of teammates 5. Changing the Point of Attack Playing the ball quickly from one area of the field to another, a tactic commonly referred to as changing the point of attack, can unbalance the defense and create opportunities to penetrate and go to the goal. It’s important to move the ball quickly using a minimum number of touches, particularly in the defending and middle thirds of the field, and then switch the play to attack the defense at its most vulnerable area. (Note: Our younger teams will not be physically able to pass the ball over distance, so we should not expect this to occur with the younger players.) 6. Finish the Attack Once the attacking team has created gaps of open space within the opposing defense, it must strike quickly before the opportunity is lost. It is generally to the team’s advantage to create scoring opportunities in central areas that provide a wide shooting angle to goal
Team Defense Successful team defense is predicated in large part on the decisions players make in response to changing situations during play. Poor decisions will eventually lead to goals scored against the team. The following principles of team defense provide a general framework on which players can base decisions and subsequent actions. These principles are universal to all systems of play and progress through a logical sequence from the moment the team loses the ball until the instant it regains possession and goes on the attack. 1. Pressure at the Point of Attack The defending player nearest the ball (first defender) must apply immediate pressure at the point of attack. The challenge should not be a reckless attempt to tackle the ball, but rather controlled pressure designed to delay penetration via the pass or dribble. 2. Recover Goal Side of the Ball Defenders away from the ball quickly withdraw to positions behind the ball, referred to as goal-side position. From a goal-side position, you will be able to keep the ball and the opponent you are responsible for marking in view. You will also be in position to provide cover for teammates. 3. Defensive Compactness Defensive compactness is designed to compress the field vertically by reducing the distance between the defending team’s back players and front players. Such positioning eliminates gaps of open space within the defense to make it more difficult for the attacking team to penetrate. To achieve compactness, defending players must press toward the ball as one compact group. 4. Make Play Predictable Limit the opponent’s options through immediate pressure at the point of attack coupled with tight marking of support attackers in the vicinity of the ball.
5. Win the Ball The final step in the sequence is for the first defender to challenge for and win the ball, or force the opponent to play the ball into an area where a defending teammate can step forward to intercept the pass.
SUGGESTED PRACTICE PLAN Choose from the following exercises designed to develop coordinated team attack and defense. Most of these exercises are large group activities that can involve the entire team. Coach comments/feedback should reinforce the principles of attack and defense discussed earlier. The exercises that follow (and the field dimensions) are suggestions only, and should be adapted to the age and ability of your players.
15-20 minutes
Warm Up
Warm up with dribbling & passing exercises, as both skills will be used in the games that follow. Review/rehearse the group attack & defense situations covered last week
45 Minutes: Competitive Games to Practice Team Attack & Defense (Chose one or two exercises/training games from the following)
1. Dribble to Score in Attack Third Organize two teams of 6 or 7 field players and a goalkeeper. Use markers to outline a rectangular field area of 60 by 40 yards with a regulation-size goal on each end line. Divide the field lengthwise into three equal 20-yard long by 40-yard wide zones. A goalkeeper gets in position in each goal. Each team defends a goal and can score in the opponent’s goal. Regular soccer rules apply except for the following restrictions: Players are restricted to three touches of the ball or fewer when within the defending (third) zone nearest their goal. There are no touch restrictions in the middle zone, In the front third of the field, players must dribble past (beat) an opponent before they can shoot on goal. A player who violates a zone restriction results in loss of possession to the opposing team. Play for 20 minutes.
2. Penetrate the End Line to Score Organize two equal teams of six to eight players each. Do not use goalkeepers. Play within a 50- by 40-yard area divided by a halfway line. Each team defends an end line and can score by dribbling the ball under control over the opponent’s end line. Regular soccer rules are in effect except for the method of scoring and the following restriction: Players may use only three or fewer touches to pass the ball when in their own half of the field. Play for 20 minutes.
3. Changing the Point of Attack Organize two equal teams of six to eight players each. Use markers to outline a 50by 40-yard wide field area. Position flags to represent three 4-yard-wide goals on each end line. Place one goal at each corner and one in the center. Each team defends the three goals on its end line and can score in its opponent’s goals. Do not use goalkeepers. Begin the game with a kickoff from the center of the area. The team in possession should move the ball quickly and attempt to score in any of the opponent’s goals by changing the point of attack (location of the ball) at the appropriate moment. Teams score by kicking the ball through a goal below waist height. Regular soccer rules apply except that the offside law is waived. Play for 20 minutes and keep track of the goals scored.
4. Four (+4) v Four (+4) to Full Goals Play on a 40-yard long by 30-yard wide field area. Position a regulation goal on each end line. Organize two teams of 8 players each, plus goalkeepers. Teams differentiated by colored scrimmage vests. Four players from each team station within the field area. The remaining players from each team station along the perimeter lines of the offensive half of the field (the half of the field their team is attacking), one on each touchline and one on each side of the goal, on the end line.. Outside players must stay outside the field boundaries, but may inter-pass with their teammates stationed within the field area. Outside players are limited to two touches or fewer to receive and pass the ball. Outside players may not enter the field area and are not permitted to pass the ball to one another – they can pass and
receive only with the players within the field. The defending team (team without possession) defends with four players only; their outside players are inactive until their team gains possession and advances into the opponent’s half of the field. Every five (5) minutes the inside/outside players switch roles. Play continuous for 20 minutes. Team scoring the most goals wins the game.
5. Seven v Five on Half-field Designate a five-player team, a seven-player team, and one goalkeeper. Play on one-half of a regulation field with a full-size goal centered on the end line. Use cones or flags to represent two 4-yard-wide goals positioned 20 yards apart on the midline of the regulation field. The goalkeeper plays in the full-size goal; do not use goalkeepers in the small goals. The seven-player team attempts to score in the full-size goal and defends the two small goals. The five-player team defends the large goal and can score by passing the ball through either of the small goals. Award the seven-player team possession of the ball to begin the game. The sevenplayer team focuses on implementing the principles of team attack, while the fiveplayer team focuses on implementing the principles of team defense. The coach serves as the official scorekeeper. The seven-player team can earn points as follows: • 1 point for six passes in succession without loss of possession • 1 point for a successful give-and-go (wall) pass that beats a defender • 1 point for a shot on goal saved by the goalkeeper • 2 points for each goal scored off a shot taken within the penalty area • 3 points for each goal scored direct off a ball crossed from the flank The five-player team can earn 3 points for each time they score through one of the small goals kicking the ball through either of the small goals positioned on the midline. Play for 25 minutes and keep track of team points.
6. Three (3) v Five (5) Transition to Five (5) v Three (3) Play on an 50-yard long by 30-yard wide field area bisected lengthwise by a midline. Position a regulation goal on each end line. Organize two teams of 8 players each, plus goalkeepers. Each team positions five players in the opponent’s half of the field, and three players in their own half, creating a 5v3 situation in each half. Goalkeepers station in their respective goals. Differentiate teams with colored vests. One ball required; an extra supply of balls in each goal is recommended.
The coach begins play by serving a ball into one of the 5-player attacking groups who try to score on the 3 defenders and goalkeeper in their half of the field. If a defender wins the ball he or she must pass it to a teammate in the opposite half of the field to initiate an attack on the opponent’s goal. Play continuous for 20 minutes with 5 v 3 in each half of the field.. Regular soccer rules in effect. Team scoring the most goals wins the game.
7. Game with Neutral Wingers Organize two teams of five field players and a goalkeeper. Designate two additional players as neutrals who play as wingers with the team in possession. Use markers to outline a field area 50 by 40 yards with a regulation-size goal at the center of each end line. Mark a zone 5 yards wide extending the length of the field on each flank. Station one neutral player (winger) in each flank zone and a goalkeeper in each goal. Begin the game with a kickoff from the center of the field. Teams play five-on-five in the central zone. The neutral wingers join the team with the ball to create a two-player advantage for the attack. Wingers may move up and down the length of the field but only within their flank zones. Goals can be scored directly from the central zone or from balls crossed into the goal area by the wingers. When a winger receives a pass from a central player or the goalkeeper, he or she must dribble into the defending team’s half of the field and cross the ball into the goal area. Otherwise, regular soccer rules apply. Award 2 points for a goal scored off a cross and 1 point for a goal scored from a shot originating within the central zone. Each team keeps track of points scored.
Concluding Game (20 minutes) Divide the group into two teams. Play a competitive match with regular soccer rules. Coach can officiate, but in general let the kids play. Every so often (and not too often) stop the play to make a coaching point. Keep in mind the basic principles of attack and defense, and relate these to your comments. Let the kids make mistakes and figure things out on their own - just add support!!
COOL DOWN: Jog, stretch, review important points of the session.
USC Travel Soccer - Week #8 Coaching Curriculum
COACHING TOPIC
Principles of Team Attack & Defense Team Attack The fundamental objectives of team attack are to outnumber opponents in the area around the ball, to create and exploit gaps of open space within the opposing defense, and to ultimately finish the attack with a goal scored. The teamwork required to achieve those objectives will occur only when players have a clear idea of what the team is trying to accomplish when it has possession of the ball. A summary of fundamental attacking principles follows…. 1. Player mobility Players without the ball should be moving constantly to make themselves available for passes and to create space for their teammates. Effective off-the-ball (without the ball) movement will create passing options for the player on the ball, will draw opponents into poor defensive positions, and will clear space for teammates to fill. 2. Width and Depth in Attack When in possession of the ball the team should attempt to stretch the field vertically and horizontally so as to stretch the defense and maximize use of the available space. Effective passing combinations coupled with proper player movement and positioning will require the opposing team to cover a larger field area, creating
gaps of space within the defense that can be exploited by the attacking team. This is commonly referred to as the proper attacking shape. 3. Improvisation (dribbling to penetrate) Dribbling skills are used to best advantage in the attacking third of the field near the opponent’s goal, an area where the positive benefits of beating an opponent on the dribble outweigh the potential negative consequences of loss of possession. If you can penetrate past an opponent by dribbling in the final third, you’ve probably created an excellent scoring opportunity. Loss of possession in this area will not pose an immediate threat to your own goal. 4. Collective Team Support Soccer is sometimes referred to as a game of triangles. This analogy refers to the general positioning of players in relation to their teammates. If the field players position at the proper depth and angle of support with respect to nearby teammates, then the organization of players does resemble a series of interconnected triangles. These triangles are not static, however, because players constantly adjust their positions based on the changing location of the ball and movement of teammates 5. Changing the Point of Attack Playing the ball quickly from one area of the field to another, a tactic commonly referred to as changing the point of attack, can unbalance the defense and create opportunities to penetrate and go to the goal. It’s important to move the ball quickly using a minimum number of touches, particularly in the defending and middle thirds of the field, and then switch the play to attack the defense at its most vulnerable area. (Note: Our younger teams will not be physically able to pass the ball over distance, so we should not expect this to occur with the younger players.) 6. Finish the Attack Once the attacking team has created gaps of open space within the opposing defense, it must strike quickly before the opportunity is lost. It is generally to the team’s advantage to create scoring opportunities in central areas that provide a wide shooting angle to goal
Team Defense Successful team defense is predicated in large part on the decisions players make in response to changing situations during play. Poor decisions will eventually lead to goals scored against the team. The following principles of team defense provide a general framework on which players can base decisions and subsequent actions. These principles are universal to all systems of play and progress through a logical sequence from the moment the team loses the ball until the instant it regains possession and goes on the attack. 1. Pressure at the Point of Attack The defending player nearest the ball (first defender) must apply immediate pressure at the point of attack. The challenge should not be a reckless attempt to tackle the ball, but rather controlled pressure designed to delay penetration via the pass or dribble. 2. Recover Goal Side of the Ball Defenders away from the ball quickly withdraw to positions behind the ball, referred to as goal-side position. From a goal-side position, you will be able to keep the ball and the opponent you are responsible for marking in view. You will also be in position to provide cover for teammates. 3. Defensive Compactness Defensive compactness is designed to compress the field vertically by reducing the distance between the defending team’s back players and front players. Such positioning eliminates gaps of open space within the defense to make it more difficult for the attacking team to penetrate. To achieve compactness, defending players must press toward the ball as one compact group. 4. Make Play Predictable Limit the opponent’s options through immediate pressure at the point of attack coupled with tight marking of support attackers in the vicinity of the ball.
5. Win the Ball The final step in the sequence is for the first defender to challenge for and win the ball, or force the opponent to play the ball into an area where a defending teammate can step forward to intercept the pass.
SUGGESTED PRACTICE PLAN Choose from the following exercises designed to develop coordinated team attack and defense. Most of these exercises are large group activities that can involve the entire team. Coach comments/feedback should reinforce the principles of attack and defense discussed earlier. The exercises that follow (and the field dimensions) are suggestions only, and should be adapted to the age and ability of your players.
15-20 minutes
Warm Up
Warm up with dribbling & passing exercises, as both skills will be used in the games that follow. Review/rehearse the group attack & defense situations covered last week
45 Minutes: Competitive Games to Practice Team Attack & Defense (Chose one or two exercises/training games from the following)
1. Dribble to Score in Attack Third Organize two teams of 6 or 7 field players and a goalkeeper. Use markers to outline a rectangular field area of 60 by 40 yards with a regulation-size goal on each end line. Divide the field lengthwise into three equal 20-yard long by 40-yard wide zones. A goalkeeper gets in position in each goal. Each team defends a goal and can score in the opponent’s goal. Regular soccer rules apply except for the following restrictions: Players are restricted to three touches of the ball or fewer when within the defending (third) zone nearest their goal. There are no touch restrictions in the middle zone, In the front third of the field, players must dribble past (beat) an opponent before they can shoot on goal. A player who violates a zone restriction results in loss of possession to the opposing team. Play for 20 minutes.
2. Penetrate the End Line to Score Organize two equal teams of six to eight players each. Do not use goalkeepers. Play within a 50- by 40-yard area divided by a halfway line. Each team defends an end line and can score by dribbling the ball under control over the opponent’s end line. Regular soccer rules are in effect except for the method of scoring and the following restriction: Players may use only three or fewer touches to pass the ball when in their own half of the field. Play for 20 minutes.
3. Changing the Point of Attack Organize two equal teams of six to eight players each. Use markers to outline a 50by 40-yard wide field area. Position flags to represent three 4-yard-wide goals on each end line. Place one goal at each corner and one in the center. Each team defends the three goals on its end line and can score in its opponent’s goals. Do not use goalkeepers. Begin the game with a kickoff from the center of the area. The team in possession should move the ball quickly and attempt to score in any of the opponent’s goals by changing the point of attack (location of the ball) at the appropriate moment. Teams score by kicking the ball through a goal below waist height. Regular soccer rules apply except that the offside law is waived. Play for 20 minutes and keep track of the goals scored.
4. Four (+4) v Four (+4) to Full Goals Play on a 40-yard long by 30-yard wide field area. Position a regulation goal on each end line. Organize two teams of 8 players each, plus goalkeepers. Teams differentiated by colored scrimmage vests. Four players from each team station within the field area. The remaining players from each team station along the perimeter lines of the offensive half of the field (the half of the field their team is attacking), one on each touchline and one on each side of the goal, on the end line.. Outside players must stay outside the field boundaries, but may inter-pass with their teammates stationed within the field area. Outside players are limited to two touches or fewer to receive and pass the ball. Outside players may not enter the field area and are not permitted to pass the ball to one another – they can pass and
receive only with the players within the field. The defending team (team without possession) defends with four players only; their outside players are inactive until their team gains possession and advances into the opponent’s half of the field. Every five (5) minutes the inside/outside players switch roles. Play continuous for 20 minutes. Team scoring the most goals wins the game.
5. Seven v Five on Half-field Designate a five-player team, a seven-player team, and one goalkeeper. Play on one-half of a regulation field with a full-size goal centered on the end line. Use cones or flags to represent two 4-yard-wide goals positioned 20 yards apart on the midline of the regulation field. The goalkeeper plays in the full-size goal; do not use goalkeepers in the small goals. The seven-player team attempts to score in the full-size goal and defends the two small goals. The five-player team defends the large goal and can score by passing the ball through either of the small goals. Award the seven-player team possession of the ball to begin the game. The sevenplayer team focuses on implementing the principles of team attack, while the fiveplayer team focuses on implementing the principles of team defense. The coach serves as the official scorekeeper. The seven-player team can earn points as follows: • 1 point for six passes in succession without loss of possession • 1 point for a successful give-and-go (wall) pass that beats a defender • 1 point for a shot on goal saved by the goalkeeper • 2 points for each goal scored off a shot taken within the penalty area • 3 points for each goal scored direct off a ball crossed from the flank The five-player team can earn 3 points for each time they score through one of the small goals kicking the ball through either of the small goals positioned on the midline. Play for 25 minutes and keep track of team points.
6. Three (3) v Five (5) Transition to Five (5) v Three (3) Play on an 50-yard long by 30-yard wide field area bisected lengthwise by a midline. Position a regulation goal on each end line. Organize two teams of 8 players each, plus goalkeepers. Each team positions five players in the opponent’s half of the field, and three players in their own half, creating a 5v3 situation in each half. Goalkeepers station in their respective goals. Differentiate teams with colored vests. One ball required; an extra supply of balls in each goal is recommended.
The coach begins play by serving a ball into one of the 5-player attacking groups who try to score on the 3 defenders and goalkeeper in their half of the field. If a defender wins the ball he or she must pass it to a teammate in the opposite half of the field to initiate an attack on the opponent’s goal. Play continuous for 20 minutes with 5 v 3 in each half of the field.. Regular soccer rules in effect. Team scoring the most goals wins the game.
7. Game with Neutral Wingers Organize two teams of five field players and a goalkeeper. Designate two additional players as neutrals who play as wingers with the team in possession. Use markers to outline a field area 50 by 40 yards with a regulation-size goal at the center of each end line. Mark a zone 5 yards wide extending the length of the field on each flank. Station one neutral player (winger) in each flank zone and a goalkeeper in each goal. Begin the game with a kickoff from the center of the field. Teams play five-on-five in the central zone. The neutral wingers join the team with the ball to create a two-player advantage for the attack. Wingers may move up and down the length of the field but only within their flank zones. Goals can be scored directly from the central zone or from balls crossed into the goal area by the wingers. When a winger receives a pass from a central player or the goalkeeper, he or she must dribble into the defending team’s half of the field and cross the ball into the goal area. Otherwise, regular soccer rules apply. Award 2 points for a goal scored off a cross and 1 point for a goal scored from a shot originating within the central zone. Each team keeps track of points scored.
Concluding Game (20 minutes) Divide the group into two teams. Play a competitive match with regular soccer rules. Coach can officiate, but in general let the kids play. Every so often (and not too often) stop the play to make a coaching point. Keep in mind the basic principles of attack and defense, and relate these to your comments. Let the kids make mistakes and figure things out on their own - just add support!!
COOL DOWN: Jog, stretch, review important points of the session.
