Zonal Defense: Move forward or backwards
In every movement of the ball we do, the defensive situation changes. Did the ball go forward or backwards? Is the player on the ball pressed? Does he have options to pass the ball to a free player? These are some of the several decisions that we have to practice.
Transitions: Narrow down the spaces
The following situations are basic tactical and repeated situations in the game: The team that loses the ball has to close spaces, the team winning the ball back has to start winning width, opening up the field. You can practice this drill continuously.
Small Sided Game Passing Lanes
Small sided tactical game to practice the concept of “passing lines”, both the creation of them and to defend them, including a bit of pressing work in order to improve the precision when finishing.
4 Lanes: Create Superiority 6v6
In a simple structure applicable to any style of play with a line of 4 in defense + 2 midfielders. You will find a lot of key tactical concepts in this drill: Shiftings, coverages, closing interior passes… and, in order to attack, a wide variety of offensive tactical concepts will be needed.
Hexagon Rondo
This is a very special space in order to make the players stay in triangles first and then add another player creating a diamond. Doing this we will be able to give 3 supports at least to the player on the ball, becoming a really difficult situation for the defenders to defend.
Counterattack and offensive transition vs offensive vigilance and defensive transition
Is it easy to practice the counterattack? ¿Is it easy to defend teams that use the counterattack as a style of play? The counterattack could either be your most preferred playing system or not, but, your players need to know what to do when facing a team using counterattack.
Speed of play + getting the ball away of recovery zone
At the beginning of the offensive transitions, just after getting the ball back, we should play quick and simple in order to bring the ball to the empty spaces. In this drill we will be faced to different situations similar to game situations.
Four squares possession
To achieve an appropriate players’ distribution in the free spaces, to switch the game successfully, to choose either checking to the ball or checking away… this drill will make you players think and take decisions.
Tricolor
During the offensive transition, your team will will need to begin looking for width, permanent support from the players, a good communication etc. This offensive and defensive transition tactical drill will make your team improve this exact momentum of the game.
Field with 3 zones: ball circulation + scoring
Both the speed of play and the attraction of the rivals in order to free the farther players are important in order to attack. We will have to do shiftings so the rival has to change its position.