11 v 11 Coach a team to Defend using a 4 - 3 - 3 System of Play
Organisation
- 11 v 11.
- 4-3-3 v's 4-4-2.
- Balls around the pitch and in goals.
Key Points.
- Recover and regroup. (Shape 4-3-3 or 4-5-1).
- Decision to press or retreat
- Pressure
- Support
- Cover
- Track or pass on
- compactness
- Counter attack
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Starting positions.
Start from the attacking third and work back.
The blue centre midield player passes over the top into the corner of the pitch. If we have numbers then we can go and press, we can stop them coming out. What does the picture tell you, has the defender turned if not, step them in and squeeze the life out of them. Squeeze as a unit. If it goes into the keeper or they get comfortable possession, then we can drop off. The critical thing is patience, drop right off to the centre line, compact play, give them no where to go so they have to force play. We are looking for depth, so the starting position for the defenders is the edge of the semi circle.
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Player Responsibilities
Player 9. Only applies token pressure. Don't make him run doggies. Get him to stand between defenders so he is always free and available if we win the ball back. Don't drop a gut ! Try to find space between defenders. Only press if you have a chance of winning the ball.
Player 11. The forward on the opposite side to the ball or the chosen forward drops back into midfield so we have more compactness.
Player 7. The pressure comes when they get in our half ! But everybody has a job to do. The wide midfield player has to get himself in line. Don't worry if he is 20 yards away. Make it difficult if he is going to play one over the top. He starts to press when the full back comes over the halfway line. Then he blocks him off and shows him inside. Now the full back can think, I can get the ball behind or I can intercept it square. Send him into the pack
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Centre Midfielders. When the ball comes inside they work together in a triangle. It may be this shape
You are hunting as a pack. One player presses the other two support, or maybe you like two pressing? The midfield players should sit 5-10 yards in front of the defenders/backline. As the ball moves across the pitch everyone must slide across to keep our shape. Don't let the midfield players drop too deep. The midfield must screen the central area in front of the centre backs. Stop runs and be alert for interceptions.
Defenders. Drop deep, look for interceptions , if you nick it is there a forward pass on ?
Goalkeeper. Your starting position is critical. You must be in a position not to be beaten by a shot and if a throw ball comes you are first to it.
Once we have won the ball
- Speedy decision making. Is there a forward pass on. Don't hang about
- Move the ball forward as early as possible:
Pass
Direct to/for front players. Can you pass it straight through them to run onto. Get them turned. If you put a bit of pace on the ball the forward may be able to turn or spin off the defender.
To 'launch' close support. Set up, hold and shield the ball.
To break free of pressure, one touch and combo play. Be clever in the attacking 3rd. One-two's and take overs.
Running with the ball. Run with the ball-at spaces, at defenders.
Dribble
- Support.
Players ahead of the ball.
Attack the back of the defence
Attack the spaces between defenders
Make forward passes possible. Can you come short. Can you set up a support player. Hold and shield the ball.
Those around the ball
Early support positions
Move 'past' opponents
Support the forward play momentum.
Those behind the ball
Move forward
Slide across to be a pass receiver or to compact play
- Compact Team. Coach the team to move up where are they needed if the move breaks down.
- Momentum. Keep the ball moving.
- Safety. Two centre midfield players sit in case the move breaks down.
UEFA "A" Licence
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