Moving from 7v7 to 9v9

Moving from 7v7 to 9v9

Hi has anyone got any advice on drills to help with the transition of 7v7 to 9v9 ? also what are your preferred formations please ? thanks

Mathew Coach, England
ANSWERS
Tom BeanCoach, England

Hi Mathew,

Going from 7v7 to 9v9 puts more emphasis on your players ability to pre-scan and recognise where the players are on the pitch and what passes are available. There are more cues, so you should begin sessions with drills that work this side of your players game.

The drill below is a great way to see the formations you should think about and what aspects you need to focus on when you build up to 9v9 or even 11v11.

At 9v9, I like to have three defenders at the back, giving the full backs the freedom to get up and down the line to support attacks. Then have three in the midfield, playing with two deeper (one can drop into defence to cover when a full back advances) and one higher midfielder. Then have two forwards to practice pressing with the midfield against the opposition defence. This will give them an idea of which lines to be on and where they can pressurise the ball carrier.

Hope this helps!

Working up to 11 v 11 principles

DESCRIPTION
Objective: Application of the individual & unit patterns/movements of defending with a 8 v 8 practice. Detail: Set up - Half a full size pitch with sidelines brought in 10m or 70 x 50 marked out. Split the players into 2 balanced groups of 8. Give each team a scenario for the game (for example Team A are losing 2-1 with 15 minutes to go). Select a team captain who will work with their team to discuss a strategy & tactics. Individual, unit & teams roles and responsibilities when defending (out of possession). When, where, what, how & why to press in specific areas of the pitch. Hunting in packs Goalkeepers angles & distances in relation to the defensive structure.

Working up to 11 v 11 principles

DESCRIPTION
Objective: Application of the individual & unit patterns/movements of defending with a 8 v 8 practice. Detail: Set up - Half a full size pitch with sidelines brought in 10m or 70 x 50 marked out. Split the players into 2 balanced groups of 8. Give each team a scenario for the game (for example Team A are losing 2-1 with 15 minutes to go). Select a team captain who will work with their team to discuss a strategy & tactics. Individual, unit & teams roles and responsibilities when defending (out of possession). When, where, what, how & why to press in specific areas of the pitch. Hunting in packs Goalkeepers angles & distances in relation to the defensive structure.
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