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Football: Diamond Midfield Channelling

Very good interactive coaching drills.

Matt

DESCRIPTION

Red team vs Blue team.

Set up a diamond midfield formation

2 strikers, 4 midfield, 4 defenders.

Set up cones as shown on the diagram

(3 sets of cones. 2 pairs before the top of the diamond numbered "1", one pair of cones lower down in the middle of the diamond numbered "2")

Works on the Defence channelling the ball into certain areas.

The 2 red team strikers try to stop the blue team from playing the ball through either of the "1" cones, so that play is encouraged into a central area (top of the diamond).

Once the blue player with the ball has reached the top of the diamond, players will looks to direct him outside of the "2" cones and into wide areas (occupied by the 2 red wide midfielders).

Red fullbacks need to recognise where the ball is going and move into an advanced wide position to put pressure on opposition's wide players.

By doing this the red team are attempting to dictate how the ball moves.

Play for half an hour.

COACHING POINTS

The red players should use their angle of approach and body position to effectively channel the blues.

They do this by running up and in, on a curve to block passing options in a certain direction before engaging with the player.

Notes:

The main benefit of a diamond formation is so that the number 10 (top of the diamond) can receive the ball in space between the oppositions defensive and midfield unit. The number 10 can also make runs in behind Defenders creating space for the other Attackers to drop in and receive the ball.

The Defenders are attempting to make play predictable and prevent the ball going very wide because we do not want the wide midfielders going too wide and leaving space to be exploited.

Success of this drill judged by the coach observing and feeding back. If the Attackers from either side take the ball through the coned areas then they could be given a point.

With something so match and team specific, the team should be constantly questioning why this approach is being taken, and allowed to voice their opinion.

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Diamond formation practice:

Diamond formation midfield in an 11 a side game. Reds vs blue.

Set up in the formation:

2 strikers, diamond midfield, 4 defenders and a GK.

The midfield players are attempting to channel the attackers to one side of play, to keep pushing them out towards the side and limit their options.

Encourage individuals to channel the ball and contain players in certain areas and to be aware of covering other Defenders.

Defending

Defending the Midfield:

Play 2 v 2 in the area furthest from goal and 2 v 3 in the defensive area around the goal. Make 2 small goals on the end line for the defense to play out through.

The attacking team (gold) in the area furthest from the goal, combine to play the ball into the two attackers in the opposite area. The two defenders in the area furthest from the goal attempt to intercept passes as they are played through. The three defenders in the defensive area mu st pressure the ball, marking tightly when close to the ball or goal. Defenders from the area furthest from the goal may enter into the defensive area to support the three defenders and to serve as midfield players for clearances from the back. If defenders intercept the ball, they should attempt to play the ball through either of the small goals at the bottom of the diagram.

Defending

Lateral defending with cover:

Red defends blue. The blue player must try and beat the red defenders and reach one of the blue cones, with the ball still under control.

Red player 2 role is to cover the other defender. Whenever either red player gets in possession, the other red must find space so as to create a passing option.

Defending

Defensive Unit Work:

This drill encourages players to work together in a Defensive unit and is especially relevant for midfield players.

Set up 3 areas in a line: 5 x 5 yards, 20 x 5 yards and another 5 x 5 yards

Opposite this, within shooting distance (about 15 yards), set up 4 goal areas in a line, marked by cones. The 2 inside goals will be used for the first game and then just the 2 outside goals will be used for the second game.

Have 1 player restricted to each of the 5 x 5 areas, and 2 players in the 20 x 5 area. The goal of these players is to pass amongst themselves to score (firstly in the goals marked "1" and then in the goals marked "2").

Against them will be 4 defenders who will need to work together to shut down these shooting opportunities, starting midway between the boxes and the goals.

The coach plays the ball to the Attackers, and at this time the Defenders will approach the Attackers. They cannot travel into the boxes but will use angles to try to stop a quick pass and shoot option.

Defending

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