Sociedad Build Up with Transitions

Instructions/Setup:

In this build-up drill, the team in possession is tasked with progressing the ball through controlled passes into any of the three mini goals positioned along the halfway line. The attacking team must maintain possession and work together to break down the defensive shape, aiming to score in one of the mini goals.

If the defending team wins possession, the two wide players positioned on the sidelines immediately become live, and a counter-attack begins. The defending team, now unbalanced and disorganised, must quickly adjust to defend the counter-attack, which adds a sense of urgency and unpredictability.

Coaching Notes:

• Build-Up Play: Encourage the attacking team to maintain possession through quick, short passes and smart movement off the ball. The goal is to progress the ball patiently and create space, allowing the team to break through the opposition and attack the mini goals.

• Wide Player Involvement: The wide players should always be looking for opportunities to receive the ball and stretch the defending team. Their role is crucial in creating space and pulling the opposition out of position for successful build-up play.

• Quick Transition After Losing Possession: Defenders should be coached to react immediately when possession is lost. The key focus should be on transitioning quickly into a counter-attacking scenario and exploiting the disorganised defending team.

• Counter-Attack Precision: In the event of a counter-attack, attackers should focus on quick decision-making, efficient passing, and directness to capitalize on the unbalanced defenders, aiming to score before the defensive team can regroup.

Progression 1: Limit the Number of Passes Before Attacking:

Set a limit on the number of passes the attacking team can make before attempting to score in the mini goals. This adds pressure to progress the ball quickly and encourages faster decision-making in the build-up play.

Focus: Encourages the attacking team to move the ball quickly and make fast, intelligent passes to break through the defense before the defenders can recover.