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APFC Coach's Playbook #44 - 11-A-Side

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APFC Positional Play

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Apfc Soccer


Weekly plan

For this second week, we will focus on the ofensive fundamentals. We will focus

on the Head Up Universal Concept, crucial for develop our players, on the Beat by

by ribbling 1st attacker Role Concept and the Principle of the Game of +1 to

Progress. We will end the week Winning the Numerical Advantatge in the final

third.

7-A-SIDE Day 1 Day 2 Day 3

1st Drill

Universal C:

Head up

Universal C:

Head up

1st Attacker:

Beat by

Dribbling

2nd Drill

Universal C:

Head up

1st Attacker:

Beat by

Dribbling

Final Third:

Win the Numerical

Advantatge

3rd Drill

1st Attacker:

Beat by

Dribbling

Game Principle:

+1 to Progress

Final Third:

Win the Numerical

Advantatge

9-A-SIDE Day 1 Day 2 Day 3

1st Drill

Universal C:

Head up

Universal C:

Head up

1st Attacker:

Beat by

Dribbling

2nd Drill

1st Attacker:

Beat by

Dribbling

1st Attacker:

Beat by

Dribbling

Final Third:

Win the Numerical

Advantatge

3rd Drill

1st Attacker:

Beat by

Dribbling

Game

Principle: +1 to

Progress

Final Third:

Win the Numerical

Advantatge

11-A-SIDE Day 1 Day 2 Day 3

1st Drill

Universal C:

Head up

Universal C:

Head up

1st Attacker:

Beat by

Dribbling

2nd Drill

1st Attacker:

Beat by

Dribbling

1st Attacker:

Beat by

Dribbling

Final Third:

Win the Numerical

Advantatge

3rd Drill

1st Attacker:

Beat by

Dribbling

Game

Principle: +1 to

Progress

Game

Principle: +1 to

Progress

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11-A-SIDE APFC

Coach’s Playbook #44

DAY 1

Session Objectives:

Improve the Head Up

Universal Concept.

Improve the Beat by

Dribbling as a 1st

attacker Role.

The universal concept of Head Up refers to

the individual behavior of playing with the

head raised, interpreting the game and

allowing the player to make the best

decisions based on their perception.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 1

First Drill

SIZE: 20X20

HEAD UP

Objective

IMPROVE HEAD UP

UNIVERSAL C.

Description: Play 2 5v3 rondos where the

attacking team must maintain possession while

moving the ball from one side to the other. The

defenders aim to recover the ball, maintain

continuity, and swap roles with the attacker who

lost possession. Defenders can move freely

through the spaces, while attackers are restricted,

forcing the attackers to play with their heads up

to identify where they have numerical

advantages to keep the ball.

Objectives:

Attackers: Maintain possession and move the

ball from one side to the other.

Defenders: Recover the ball and maintain

continuity.

Interactive Drill

Rules:

Attackers only can move in his line.

Defenders can move freely through the

spaces.

Defenders swap roles with the attacker who

lost possession after recovering the ball.

Link

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11-A-SIDE Day 1

D E L I V E R Y G U I D E

Step 1.

Put your players on the field and explain the dynamics of the drill.

Emphasize the importance of head-up play for the attackers to recognize

and exploit numerical advantages that allows them to have long

possessions.

Step 2.

Observe the drill for a few minutes:

- Are the attackers able to maintain possession?

- If they are maintaining possession, is it because they are interpreting

the numerical situations well?

Step 3.

Modify the drill based on the attackers' ability to keep the ball by applying

the head up concept, either increasing the complexity or decreasing it

depending on how the drill works. Play with space to adapt it to the

needs of your players.

First Drill

MISTAKES

+FEEDBACK

ATTACKERS NOT PLAYING WITH HEADS UP

Attackers should constantly look up to assess where their numerical

advantages are. Emphasize the importance of scanning the field and

making quick decisions based on the defenders' positioning.

DEFENSE

Defenders should press the ball carrier and cut off passing lanes to make

it difficult for the attackers to maintain possession. Provide feedback on

their positioning and intensity.

POOR ROLE SWAPPING

Ensure defenders quickly swap roles with the attacker who lost

possession after recovering the ball. This keeps the drill dynamic and

maintains high intensity.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 1

First Drill

-1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

With fewer players we encourage

you to try a 4v2 round in which

there are two players in the middle

and one player on each side against

2 defenders. This distribution will

mean that the possessors must

interpret correctly by playing with

the head up in order to carry the ball

from one side to the other.

+1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

Add a defender, make the playing

space bigger and play a 5v4 rondo

with more space. The dynamics of

the drill remain the same.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 1

First Drill

DRILL REGRESSION

Increase the size of the rondo. This

makes it easier for attackers to

maintain possession and more

difficult for defenders to press

effectively.

DRILL PROGRESSION

Reduce the size of the rondo. This

makes it easier for defenders to

recover the possession and will be

more challenging for the attackers

to maintain possession.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 1 Second Drill SIZE: 30X30

1ST ATTACKER:

BEAT BY

DRIBBLING

Objective

IMPROVE FIRST ATTACKER ROLE C.

Description: This drill involves two teams of 5

players and 2 neutral players. The attackers aim to

dribble across the line dividing the two spaces and

pass to attackers or the neutral player on the other

side. Players can move freely to help maintain

possession and offer progression options.

Defenders aim to regain possession and pass to the

neutral players to switch roles and become

attackers.

Objective:

Attackers: Dribble across the dividing line to pass

to attackers or neutral players on the other side.

Defenders: Regain possession of the ball to switch

roles.

Rules:

Attackers must dribble across the line dividing

the two spaces to pass to teammates or neutral

players on the other side.

Players can move freely to maintain possession

and provide progression options.

Defenders must regain possession and pass to

the neutral players to switch roles.

Every time the attackers cross the line and pass

the ball to the other side scores 1 point.

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Interactive Drill

Link

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11-A-SIDE

Day 1

D E L I V E R Y G U I D E

Step 1.

Put the players on the field and explain the dynamics of the drill.

Also, explain the rules and focus your explanation on the ofensive

role.

Step 2.

After a few minutes, observe:

Attackers are successfully dribbling across the dividing line?

Check if defenders are quick to regain possession and switch roles.

Also focus on the behavior of non-possessing attackers and the

locations they find to be able to receive the ball with an advantage

to cross the line between both zones.

Step 3.

This is a decontextualized drill but that as coaches we can enrich with

concepts and foundations that we want our team to have. Take the

opportunity to correct on an offensive level, beyond just the

possessors, also the non-possessors so that their behavior is to offer

passing lines and progression options.

First Drill

MISTAKES

+FEEDBACK

INSUFFICIENT DRIBBLING ACROSS THE LINE

Attackers must look for opportunities to dribble across the dividing line.

Remind them to exploit space and dribble confidently to create passing

options.

LACK OF MOVEMENT

Attackers should move freely to support possession and create

progression options. Encourage constant movement to offer passing

lanes and maintain possession.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 1

Second Drill

-1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

Do a 4v4 +2 neutrals in case you

have fewer players, the dynamic

remains the same.

+1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

Add a neutral in the middle and play

a 5v5 +3 in the same space.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 1

Second Drill

DRILL REGRESSION

To reduce the level of complexity

make the playing space bigger so

that the attackers have more time

and space and can beat by dribbling

in each space and carry the ball to

the other side.

DRILL PROGRESSION

To increase the level of complexity,

make the playing space smaller so

that the attackers have less space

and must overcome dribbling in

more complex contexts, with more

pressure, closer defensive help…

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Day 1

11-A-SIDE

Third Drill

1ST ATTACKER:

BEAT BY

DRIBBLING

Objective

IMPROVE FIRST ATTACKER ROLE C.

Description: Positional game that involves two

teams of 7 players each, playing on half a field divided

into three zones. Both teams have numerical

superiority in the initiation zone, equality in the

progression zone, and numerical inferiority in the

finalization zone. The objective is to overcome the

defenders by dribbling and progressing through the

zones, creating numerical superiority in the next

zone. Teams compete by scoring goals to win.

Serie 1: Defenders cannot leave their zone to

defend.

Serie 2: Defenders and attackers can leave their

zones.

Objective:

Attackers: Overcome numerical superiority

situations by dribbling.

Defenders: Regain possession and counterattack if

possible.

Rules:

It is mandatory to overcome dribbling to progress

in the game.

Serie 1: Defenders cannot leave their zone to

defend.

Serie 2: Defenders and attackers can leave their

zones.

Teams compete by scoring goals, every goal

scores 1 point.

Interactive Drill

Link

SIZE: 1/2 PITCH


11-A-SIDE

Day 1

D E L I V E R Y G U I D E

Step 1.

Put your players in the space and talk about the dynamics and objectives of

the drill.

Emphasize the importance of beat by dribbling and how to execute the 3v2

it depends on the defender's behavior.

Step 2.

After several minutes of drilling, observe:

Do the attackers have enough breadth and depth to overcome the initial

3v2?

When dribbling, do you use your arm to protect yourself from the

defender?

Do the players in the next zone leave space for the player who progresses

and look for locations where they can receive past the defenders of the

second line and take the game forward?

Step 1.

It is important that in addition to focusing on the initial 3v2 we also focus on

the 3v2 that is generated once the initial one has been overcome. Both are

situations that must be executed correctly to collectively progress in the

game. Evaluate micro details from the positioning of non-possessors to the

spaces they can occupy based on the behavior of the possessor.

Third Drill

MISTAKES

+FEEDBACK

INEFFECTIVE DRIBBLING

Attackers must use their dribbling skills to effectively overcome

defenders. Provide tips to improve dribbling under pressure like using

the arm, dribble with head up or put all the time the body between ball

and defender when dribbling.

NUMERICAL SUPERIORITY

Attackers need to recognize when to add a player to the initial zone to

maintain numerical superiority. Remind them to quickly adapt and

create advantageous situations.


Day 1

Third Drill

-1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

If you have one less player, play with

6 players per team and add a

neutral in the middle space. It will

be less complex for the attackers to

resolve the first situations since they

will have superiority in both areas.

+1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

If you have more players, make

them rest and rotate every X ball.

Whenever you can, keep the

numerical structure of the drill as it

is proposed.


11-A-SIDE

Day 1

Third Drill

DRILL REGRESSION

To reduce the complexity of the drill

play with 6 players per team and

add a neutral in the middle space

same as -1 alternative drill. It will be

less complex for the attackers to

resolve the first situations since they

will have superiority in both areas.

DRILL PROGRESSION

To increase the complexity of the

drill, have both series played with

the defenders being able to leave

their zone to defend, which will

mean that the attackers must

constantly interpret the game and

make decisions to generate

superiority and beat by dribbling.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 1

SESSION OBJECTIVES

Improve the Head Up Universal Concept.

Improve the Beat by Dribbling as a 1st atacker Role.

5V3 RONDOS

2 5v3 rondos where the attacking team

must maintain possession while moving

the ball from one side to the other. The

defenders aim to recover the ball,

maintain continuity, and swap roles with

the attacker who lost possession.

POSSESSION

The attackers aim to dribble across the

line dividing the two spaces and pass to

attackers or the neutral player on the

other side. Players can move freely to help

maintain possession and offer progression

options.

POSITIONAL GAME

Positional game that involves two teams of

7 players each, playing on half a field

divided into three zones. Both teams have

numerical superiority in the initiation zone,

equality in the progression zone, and

numerical inferiority in the finalization

zone.

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11-A-SIDE

APFC Coach’s Playbook #1

DAY 2

Session Objectives:

Improve Head Up

Universal Concept

Improve the Beat by

Dribbling, Role Concept

for the 1st attacker.

Introduce the game

principle: +1 to Progress.

The game principle +1 to Progress it refers

to the offensive principle of the game in

which in the initiation phase the team

must be structured to have numerical

superiority and take advantage of this

numerical superiority to overcome and

create another numerical superiority with

the player it surpasses.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 2

First Drill

SIZE: 30X30

HEAD UP

Objective IMPROVE HEAD UP UNIVERSAL C.

Description: Possession with two teams of 6

players each, plus 2 neutral players, playing in a

40x40 square divided into 4 smaller squares. The

objective for the possessing team is to pass the ball

through all 4 squares in the same possession to

score a point. If the defending team recovers the

ball, they switch roles and become the possessing

team.

We will work on the universal concept of head up

in a collective drill in which, given the situation of

equality within, the players must raise their heads

to interpret advantages, locations...

Objectives:

Attackers: Maintain possession by moving the ball

through all 4 squares.

Defenders: Regain possession and switch roles.

Rules:

Possessing team must pass through all 4

squares in the same possession to score 1 point.

Attacking team scores 1 point passing the ball

from one side to the other (neutrals).

Interactive Drill

Link

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11-A-SIDE Day 2

D E L I V E R Y G U I D E

Step 1.

Put your players in the space and explain the dynamics of the drill.

Emphasize the importance of maintaining possession and moving the ball

through all 4 squares. Highlight the role of the neutral players in creating

passing options, giving safe passes and facilitating ball movement.

Step 2.

Start the drill and observe the following:

Ensure the possessing team is using the entire playing area and passing

through all 4 squares.

Watch if players are utilizing the neutral players effectively to maintain

possession.

Observe the defending team pressing and positioning to regain

possession.

Step 3.

Provide immediate feedback during the drill:

Encourage the possessing team to keep their heads up and be aware of

open spaces and passing lanes.

Remind players to use the neutral players to create numerical superiority

and ease ball movement.

Instruct the defending team on effective pressing techniques and

positioning to regain possession.

First Drill

MISTAKES

+FEEDBACK

INEFFICIENT USE OF SPACE

Attackers must use the entire playing area and move the ball through all

4 squares. Provide feedback on positioning and movement to utilize the

space effectively.

UNDERUTILIZING NEUTRALS

Players should use the neutral players to create passing options and

maintain possession. Remind them of the importance of involving the

neutrals in play.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 2

First Drill

-1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

With one less player, remove one

player for each team and add a

neutral to play a 5v5 + 3. The

dynamics of the drill remain the

same but the complexity decreases

a little since there is a free player

inside the space so the attacking

team It has superiority inside too.

+1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

With one more player, add a neutral

inside and play a 6v6 + 3. Do not

make the playing space larger,

otherwise we will give even more

advantage to the attackers, who

with a +3 already have enough

advantage to make the level of

demand of the drill be good.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 2

First Drill

DRILL REGRESSION

Remove one player for each team

and add a neutral to play a 5v5 + 3.

The dynamics of the drill remain the

same but the complexity decreases

a little since there is a free player

inside the space so the attacking

team It has superiority inside too.

DRILL PROGRESSION

Reduce the playing space to

increase the complexity of the drill,

this way attackers will have to apply

the universal concept of head up

and it will make it more challenging

to move the ball through the

squares and maintain possession.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 2 Second Drill SIZE: 1/3 PITCH

1ST ATTACKER:

BEAT BY

DRIBBLING

Objective

IMPROVE FIRST ATTACKER ROLE C.

Description: Competitive finishing drill where two

teams compete to score goals. The drill starts with a

ball from each side, playing a 3v2 + 1 neutral setup.

The attackers must aim to beat the defender by

dribbling, using the neutral player for third-man

actions to facilitate this. After each action, the

player who finished or lost possession switches to

defend the next 3v2 + 1 setup from the opposing

team. If the defender recovers the ball, they try to

finish at the opponent's goal.

Objectives:

Attackers: Beat the 3v2 +1 by dribbling and scoring

goals.

Defenders: Prevent the attack and recover the ball.

Rules:

The neutral player can only play third-man

actions to facilitate the attacking play, he can’t

turn around and shoot on goal.

After each action, the player who finished or lost

possession and the other that touched the last

ball, defends the next action.

If the defender recovers the ball, they finish by

scoring at the opponent’s goal.

The teams compete for goals within a set time.

Interactive Drill

Link


11-A-SIDE

Day 2

Step 1.

D E L I V E R Y G U I D E

Put the players in the space and explain the dynamics of the drill.

Emphasize the importance of beat by dribbling to score and how to

execute the 3v2 (with the neutral or without the neutral) it depends on

the defender's behavior.

Step 2.

Start the drill and focus on the following aspects:

Observe how attackers utilize the neutral player to create

opportunities for dribbling and surpassing the defender.

Check if defenders are effectively preventing the attackers from

beating the 2v1.

Ensure players understand their roles, switching from attacking to

defending after each action.

Emphasize the importance of quick transitions between attacking

and defending roles to add rhythm to the drill..

Second Drill

MISTAKES

+FEEDBACK

USE OF THE NEUTRAL

Attackers must recognize the opportunities to use the neutral player for

third-man actions, creating space and angles for dribbling. Encourage

better communication and positioning.

TRANSITIONS

Players must quickly switch from attacking to defending roles. Remind

them to stay alert and be ready to transition immediately after each

action.

FINISHES

Don't forget that the players must end up scoring goals! It should be a

very dynamic drill rich in good finishes.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 2

Second Drill

-1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

If we have one less player it does not

affect the dynamics of the drill since

they do not participate

simultaneously, therefore do not

modify it.

+1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

If we have one more player it does

not affect the dynamics of the drill

since they do not participate

simultaneously, so add the player to

one team.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 2

Second Drill

DRILL REGRESSION

To reduce drill complexity increase

the width size of the playing area.

This makes it easier for attackers to

create opportunities and beat the

3v2 +1 by dribbling.

DRILL PROGRESSION

To increase the complexity of the

drill play a 3v3 + 1 neutral, increasing

the complexity and requiring better

coordination and use of the neutral

player to beat by dribbling in

equality.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 2 Third Drill

SIZE: 1/2 PITCH

+1 TO

PROGRESS

Objective +1 TO PROGRESS GAME P.

Description: Positional game focused on

building from the back with a numerical

advantage of +1. The attacking team is

structured with a back line of 4 players, 2

midfielders and 1 attacking midfielder. The

objective is to use this numerical advantage to

progress the ball through the zones, applying

team-specific automatisms and mechanisms

to create numerical or positional advantages.

Objectives:

Attackers: Use the +1 numerical advantage in

the first zone to progress the ball interpreting

the advantages.

Defenders: Press the ball freely, attempting to

disrupt the attackers' build-up play to regain

possession and counterattack.

Rules:

2 series of 15 minutes, switching roles

between series.

Every goal scores 1 point.

Defenders can press any player to disrupt

the attacking play.

Interactive Drill

Link

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info@apfcourses.com


11-A-SIDE Day 2

D E L I V E R Y G U I D E

Step 1.

Put your players on the field and explain the dynamics of the drill.

As it's a principle of the game, we structure it as a real game situation, so

the content of this drill should be something they internalize in real

situations.

Step 2.

Start the drill and provide feedback about:

The attacking team using their numerical advantage to build out from

the back.

Defending team's pressing strategies and how they attempt to

disrupt the build-up.

Encourage the attacking team to maintain possession and move the

ball quickly to exploit the numerical advantage using defenders

behavior.

Third Drill

MISTAKES

+FEEDBACK

UNDERUTILIZING NUMERICAL ADVANTAGE

Attackers must effectively use their +1 advantage to progress the ball. Provide

feedback on positioning, movement, and passing to exploit the numerical

advantage.

PRESSING

Defenders need to press effectively to disrupt the build-up. Emphasize

positioning, timing, and teamwork to intercept passes and pressing. By giving

defensive instructions we will raise the offensive level.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 2

Third Drill

-1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

With fewer players, eliminate one for

each team and propose a 6v5 as

shown in the image. We leave the

last finishing area empty to be

occupied in progression and to

finish. The attackers must resolve

the initial situation in the 2 initial

spaces.

+1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

With one more player add a

defender in the last zone so that

there is a 1v2 situation but limit the

mobility of these defenders to that

space, they are not allowed to go

out to occupy another zone because

then they would pose an equality

and what we are working on is the

take advantage of or build a

numerical advantage to progress as

a principle of the game.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 2

Third Drill

DRILL REGRESSION

To reduce the level of complexity

remove a defender from the middle

zone and play a 4v3 + 2v1 + 1v1. With

a numerical advantage of +2 it will

be easier for the attacking team to

take advantage and build numerical

superiorities to progress.

DRILL PROGRESSION

Do the same drill as the +1

alternative but without the rule that

the defenders of the attacking

team's end zone cannot leave. By

allowing them to leave the zone, it

will be more complex for the

attackers to take advantage and

create numerical superiorities to

progress because they will be able

to be matched at all times, it will be

important for them to play with

intermediate distances.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 2

SESSION OBJECTIVES

Improve the Head Up Universal Concept.

Improve the Beat by Dribbling as a 1st attacker Role.

Introduce +1 to Progress Game Principle.

POSSESSION GAME

Possession with two teams of 6 players

each, plus 2 neutral players, playing in a

square divided into 4 smaller squares. The

objective for the possessing team is to

pass the ball through all 4 squares in the

same possession to score a point moving

the ball from one side to the other.

3V2 +1 FINISHING DRILL

Competitive finishing drill where two

teams compete to score goals. The drill

starts with a ball from each side, playing a

3v2 + 1 neutral setup.

POSITIONAL GAME

Positional game focused on building from

the back with a numerical advantage of

+1. The attacking team is structured with a

back line of 4 players, 2 midfielders and 1

attacking midfielder. The objective is to

use this numerical advantage to progress

the ball through the zones.

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11-A-SIDE APFC

Coach’s Playbook #44

DAY 3

Session Objectives:

Improve Beat by

Dribbling as a 1st attacker

Role.

Improve Winning the

Numerical Advantatge in

the Final Third.

Improve in the game

principle: +1 to Progress.

Win the Numerical Advantatge is an

offensive principle in which the team

wants to reach the final third with a

numerical advantage to attack the

opponent's last line with an advantage

and thus have more options to score a

goal.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 3 First Drill SIZE: 40X40

1ST ATTACKER:

BEAT BY

DRIBBLING

Objective

IMPROVE FIRST ATTACKER ROLE C.

Description: This drill involves playing in a large

square divided into four smaller squares. Each

smaller square has a 2v1 situation. The objective for

the attackers is to successfully beat the 2v1, dribble

through the gate (red line) in their square, and pass

the ball to another square to continue the same 2v1

action. If the defender recover the ball, they must

pass it to the attackers in another square and switch

roles with the player who lost possession.

Each time attackers successfully dribble through the

gate, they score a point. Defenders score a point

when they win the ball in a 1v2 situation. Individual

players keep track of their scores.

Objectives:

Attackers: Overcome the 2v1 situation by dribbling

through the gate in their square.

Defenders: Win the ball in the 1v2 situation and pass

the ball to attackers in another square to switch

roles.

Interactive Drill

Link

Rules:

Attackers score a point by dribbling through the

gate and passing the ball to another square.

Defenders score a point by winning the ball in a

1v2 situation and passing it to another square.

Players keep track of their individual scores.


11-A-SIDE

Day 3

D E L I V E R Y G U I D E

Step 1.

Put your players in positions and explain the dynamics of the drill.

Emphasize the importance of dribbling through the gate to score

and passing the ball to another square to continue the drill. Highlight

the role of the defender in winning the ball and switching roles with

the player who lost possession.

Step 2.

Provide feedback during the drill:

Possessor: Maintain control and make quick dribbling moves.

Non-possessor: Positioning, movement, and pass lines all time

during the 2v1.

First Drill

MISTAKES

+FEEDBACK

FUNDAMENTALS

It is a simple drill in which the weight falls on overcoming 2v1 well, so it

gives guidelines for the theoretical and practical development of 2v1.

TIME AND SPACE

Evaluate the micro details and make sure that in the 2v1 the attackers

have time and space to execute the 2v1 and that they do not rush and

lose the advantage.

SLOW TRANSITIONS

Players must quickly switch roles when possession changes. Encourage

rapid adjustments and readiness to adapt to new roles.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 3

First Drill

-1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

With one less player we cannot

execute this drill, so if you have

fewer players, we suggest that you

do this drill in a smaller format (with

3 2v1s).

+1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

With one more player, add him to

the wait and let the players rotate

once they exceed 2v1.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 3

First Drill

DRILL REGRESSION

To make the drill less complex,

expand the playing space so that

both the large square and the small

squares where 2v1 is played are

larger, as well as the goals, and 2v1

can be played with more space and

time for the attackers.

DRILL PROGRESSION

To increase the complexity of the

drill, add the rule that the defenders

can defend the 2v1 in another

nearby square, so that the attackers

must take advantage of these

jumps to circulate the ball and thus

give more continuity to the drill.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 3

Second Drill

FINAL THIRD:

WIN THE NUMERICAL

ADVANTATGE

SIZE: 1/2 PITCH

Objective IMPROVE IN THE FINAL THIRD

Description: This drill focuses on attacking the

final line, playing a free situation of 7v6. The setup

includes a 4v2 in the first zone with 2 central

defenders and 2 midfielders. The goal for the

attacking team is to score by overcoming the 4v2

through passing or dribbling (this week's

transversal content) and moving into the next

zone to create a 5v4 situation to attack the final

third and gain a numerical advantage to score. If

the defending team recovers the ball, they can

counterattack.

Objectives:

Attackers: Overcome the 4v2 situation in the first

zone using passing or dribbling and progress into

the next zone to create a 5v4 situation.

Defenders: Defend the area to avoid conceding a

goal.

Rules:

4v2 in the first zone.

Attackers must use passing or dribbling to

progress.

The defending team can counterattack if they

regain possession.

The drill continues until a goal is scored or the

defending team successfully counterattacks.

Interactive Drill

Link

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11-A-SIDE Day 3

D E L I V E R Y G U I D E

Step 1.

Put the players on the field and explain the dynamics of the drill.

Emphasize the importance of using passing or dribbling to overcome the

4v2 situation (1st attacker role concept) and create a numerical

advantage in the final third.

Step 2.

After several minutes of drilling, observe:

Are they fluidly overcoming 4v2?

When you receive a midfielder, is he oriented and profiled to take the

game forward?

Are the midfielders changing the rhythm when they receive so that

the rival midfielder cannot retreat and an offensive superiority is

played against the backline?

Attacking the final third, are players without the ball in locations

where they can outplay an opponent and create scoring chances?

Second Drill

MISTAKES

+FEEDBACK

4v2

Resolve the 4v2 as two 2v1, surpassing the forward first to have an

advantage to overcome the midfielder. It is important to attract with

dribbling to be able to get the midfielder out of the zone or for your

midfielders to receive behind him.

5v4

Midfielders who attack the backline with the ball can create a numerical

advantage in the central lane or side lane, it is important that the actions

are quick and that they are to generate a numerical advantage that can

be taken advantage of to create scoring opportunities.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 3

Second Drill

-1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

With one less player, take advantage

of the goalkeeper to play with your

feet and do not modify the structure

of the drill.

+1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

With one more player, add him as a

defender in the first line of pressure

and play a 4v3. It will be somewhat

more complex in attack, but

numerical superiority must prevail. It

is important that you do not put him

next to the other further back

midfielder, since then there will be

equality and the attackers will not

be able to attack the backline with a

numerical advantage, which is the

content we are working on.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 3

Second Drill

DRILL REGRESSION

To reduce the complexity of the drill,

eliminate a defender from the

backline and play a 5v3 when the

midfielders receive and attack in the

final third. This numerical superiority

should be enough to get many

chances and many goals.

DRILL PROGRESSION

To increase the complexity of the

drill add a defender in the first line

of pressure and play a 4v3. It will be

somewhat more complex in attack,

but numerical superiority must

prevail. It is important that you do

not put him next to the other

further back midfielder, since then

there will be equality and the

attackers will not be able to attack

the backline with a numerical

advantage, which is the content we

are working on.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 3 Third Drill SIZE: 1/2 PITCH

+1 TO

PROGRESS

Objective +1 TO PROGRESS GAME P.

Description: This drill focuses on ball-out

scenarios with a 7v5 setup against two different

high-pressure situations:

Press 1: A 4v3 in the first line, where players

must take advantage of the numerical

superiority to progress.

Press 2: A 4v4 in the first line, where players

must create a +1 advantage by having the

defensive midfielder drop back to form a back

three. The team in the ball-out phase must

cross the line with controlled possession, pass

it to players at the other end, and then

engage in a free 7v7 at half-field.

Objectives:

Attackers: Overcome high-pressure situations by

using numerical superiority.

Defenders: Regain possession and counterattack

when possible.

Rules:

Begin with a 4v3 or 4v4 situation in the first

line of pressure.

Once the attackers cross the line with

controlled possession, they pass it to the

players at the other end.

The drill transitions to a free 7v7 game at halffield.

2 time series to switch roles at half.

Interactive Drill

Link


11-A-SIDE

Day 3

D E L I V E R Y G U I D E

Step 1.

Put your players on the field and explain the dynamics of the drill.

Remember that we are working on +1 to Progress, an ofensive

game principle, so the team that will be working on this principle

will be the atacking team agains high pressure.

Step 2.

Pressure 1:

How to beat the 4v3 advantage.

Pressure 2:

How to create the +1st advantage: who, when, how.

Third Drill

MISTAKES

+FEEDBACK

FAILURE TO USE NUMERICAL SUPERIORITY

Attackers must effectively use their numerical advantage to progress.

Provide feedback on movement, passing options, and creating space.

HIGH PRESSURE

Defenders should apply coordinated pressure to disrupt the attackers.

Emphasize positioning, timing, and communication.

TRANSITIONS

Players need to quickly switch roles and adapt to the new phase of the

drill. Encourage rapid adjustments and readiness to engage in the 7v7

game.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 3

Third Drill

-1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

With one less player remove an

attacker who receives the ball once

the high press is overcome and have

the blue team attack a 6v7.

+1 ALTERNATIVE DRILL

If we have one more player, add him

as a defensive midfielder in the high

pressure phase and propose a 7v6

situation. It will be more complex for

players in the ball release phase but

numerical superiority should allow

them to find progression options by

understanding the principle of the

game.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 3

Third Drill

DRILL REGRESSION

Remove a defender from the high

press and play a 7v4 to dribble down

the line. Then, play a 6v7 for the

blues to attack.

DRILL PROGRESSION

Add a defensive midfielder in the

high pressure phase and propose a

7v6 situation. It will be more

complex for players in the ball

release phase but numerical

superiority should allow them to

find progression options by

understanding the principle of the

game.

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11-A-SIDE

Day 3

SESSION OBJECTIVES

Improve the Beat by Dribbling as a 1st attacker Role.

Improve Win the Numerical Advantatge in the Final Third.

Improve +1 to Progress Game Principle.

PROGRESSION GAME

Each smaller square has a 2v1 situation.

The objective for the attackers is to

successfully beat the 2v1, dribble through

the gate (red line) in their square, and

pass the ball to another square to

continue the same 2v1 action.

FINISHING DRILL

The goal for the attacking team is to

score by overcoming the 4v2 through

passing or dribbling (this week's

transversal content) and moving into the

next zone to create a 5v4 situation to

attack the final third and gain a

numerical advantage to score

SMALL-SIDED GAME (SSG)

This drill focuses on ball-out scenarios

with a 7v5 setup against two different

high-pressure situations:

4v3

4v4 and having to create +1

advantatge.

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