Switching the point of attack in a 4-2-3-1

Switching the point of attack in a 4-2-3-1

Coach Ryan Hodgson - Session Date August 2013 - Time available 1.5 Hour

Provided By - National Soccer Coaches Association of America - www.NSCAA.com

Organization:
7 v 4 with the following restrictions.
Player A is only allowed to defend the goals on either side of the field and is not allowed to cross the half way line.
Ball starts with the keeper who plays it out to either center back.
CB then plays the ball into the highlighted area where the 5 midfielders play against the 3 defenders. Objective is to dribble through the flags for a point. Play A can move either side to block the penetration.
Midfielders must then look to switch the point of attack as quick as possible before A can defend. Defenders can also defend the flag goals.
5 v 3 in middle 3rd.

Key Coaching Points:
Speed of Play.
Angles of support to receive and distribute.
Good technique of driven or lofted pass.
First touch forward.
Exploit numbers up.
Keep player A within sight as to see where h/she is to merit a quick Switch.
Possibly add two players behind the half way line working together.

Organization:
8 v 5. Adding in 1 additional CB and 2 forwards.
Same concept as before with more pressure on the ball played into the midfield and also pressure from behind when played the ball back for a switch.

Key Coaching Points:
Supporting angles of player with the ball.
Deception to make defenders commit and then exploit their weakness. Weak side.
Player staying disconnected and communicates clearly they have space to go forward.
Energy from defending team to pressure the ball in all areas.

Organization:
8 v 7 to big goals.
Blue team in a 3-4-1 vs 2-3-2.
Balls starting with the keeper.
Same concept as before but with more pressure on in the midfield.

Key Coaching Points:
Same as above.
Patience in going forward.
If penetration is not on, keep possession by playing backwards.
Playing at a high tempo.
Speed of play.
Communication.

Organization:
2-4-1 versus 2-3-2 working with the 3-3-1 team.
Using natural width of the field to ensure 5 Midfielders have realistic space.

Key Coaching Points:
Looking for coaching points from phases.
Try to coach on natural stoppages or whenever a moment arises.