WEEKLY SESSION TOPICS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4

SYSTEM OF PLAY (3-2-3)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES (3-2-3)…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6-11
Goalkeeper………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Centre Back……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
Fullbacks………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….... 8
Central Midfielders………………………………………………………………………………………………….... 9
Wingers…......................................................................................................................... 10
Striker……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... 11
.

PRINCIPLE OF PLAY #1: PRESSING FROM THE FRONT…………………………………………………………………….. 12-16

Pressing Key Factors…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
Striker First To Press……………………………………………………………………………………………..……. 14
Diamond Shape……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 15
Pressure, Cover, Balance………………………………………………………………………………………….. 16
PRINCIPLE OF PLAY #2: PLAYING OUT FROM THE BACK...................................................................... 17-23
Playing out from the Back Key Factors………………………..……………………………………………… 18
Space in Between the Lines..…………………………………………………………………………………….. 19
Shifting & Width……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20
Positional Rotation……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 21
Switching Play…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22
Centre-Back Alternative Starting Position…………………………………………………………………. 23
PRINCIPLE OF PLAY #3: SWITCHING PLAY…………………………………………………………………....................... 24-27
Switching Play Key Factors………………………………………………………………………………………… 25
Role of Central Midfielders, Use of Fullbacks……………………………………………………………. 26
The Importance of a Quick Switch of Play…………………………………………………………………. 27
PRINCIPLE OF PLAY #4 – QUICK TRANSITIONS………………………………………………………………………………… 28-30
Defensive Transitions…………………………………………………………………………………………….…… 29
Attacking Transitions…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 30
SUPPORT IN DEFENSE……………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….……. 31-32
SUPPORT IN ATTACK………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 33-34
COMMUNICATION…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 35-37
PROGRESSIVE POSSESSION……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 38-40
FIRST TOUCH………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 41-42
1V1 SITUATIONS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 43-44
ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF PLAY (2-4-2)…………………………………………………………………………………………… 45-52
Pressing in the 2-4-2………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 46-49
Playing out from the Back in the 2-4-2………………………………………………………………………. 50-52
GAME MANAGMENT………………………………………………………………………………………………………………........ 53-68
7 key factors….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 54
Playing against a 2-1-4-1…………………………………………...................................................... 55-58
Playing against a 2-4-2 Diamond…………………………………………………………………………….…. 59-63
Playing against a 3-1-3-1 Formation………………………………………………………………………….. 64-68
Picking The Perfect Starting Lineup……………………………………………………………………………. 69-71
GLOSSARY ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………........ 72
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 73
 WEEK 1: WEEK 2: WEEK 4: WEEK 5:
WEEK 3:
PRESSING FROM PLAYING OUT DEFENSIVE ATTACKING
SWITCHING PLAY
THE FRONT FROM THE BACK TRANSITIONS TRANSITIONS

WEEK 7: WEEK 8: WEEK 9:

WEEK 6: WEEK 10:
PROGRESSIVE SUPPORT IN SUPPORT IN
COMMUNICATION FIRST TOUCH
POSSESSION DEFENSE ATTACK

WEEK 13: WEEK 14: WEEK 15:

WEEK 11: WEEK 12:
COMBINATION SHOOTING & ATTACK-MINDED
DEFENDING 1V1s ATTACKING 1V1s
PLAY FINISHING FULLBACKS
Pressing ✔

Playing out from

the back ✔

Switching Play ✔

3 Defenders
2 Central Midfielders
3 Attackers
- The goalkeeper is not just for stopping shots and making sure the ball
doesn’t go into the back of the net. They are also essential for playing
out from the back and being the first line of attack

- The goalkeeper often starts the quest to play out from the back by
spreading the ball out to one of the defenders. They need to remain as a
backwards option throughout the process and be capable of switching
play from left to right.

- The goalkeeper needs to have a fearless instinct to come out of the net
and clear the ball out of danger when needed, such as when the ball is
played in behind the defenders.

- They need to have constant communication to the defenders, helping

to organize the defense and telling when to shift, pressure or drop.

- When the ball is in the opposition's half, the goalkeeper can come out
of their net in between the eighteen-yard box and halfway line. If a
breakaway were to occur, the goalkeeper will now be in a position to
clear it away or shut it down.
- Like the goalkeeper, the centre-back is not just there to stop goals from going
in, but is also a key part of the attack. They are significantly important to
playing out from the back, switching play and the team’s ability to keep
possession.

- Although they should usually remain central, they may need to shift left and
right if their fullbacks get beat down the wing or the opposition striker has
made a dangerous move toward one side.

- The centre-back also needs to help organize the back-line and ensure the
other defenders can hold a straight line and keep opposition players off-side.

- Like central midfielders, the centre-back’s ability to hold their position is of

massive importance. If they get caught too far away from the central
midfielders, a massive gap can be created in a crucial area of the field. If they
get caught too high or too wide, the goalkeeper may be on their own in
shutting down the central area.

- Paramount to their role is stopping the opposition’s striker from playing. If

the opposition has two strikers, they need to be in constant communication
with the fullbacks and nearest central midfielder about who is covering who.
- Fullbacks are not just defenders, but also a key part of the team’s
ability to attack down the wings. They play a significant role in
playing out from the back and switching play. As one fullback has
the ball, the other can gamble by getting higher up the field,
creating opportunities to switch play and create an overload in
attack. When playing out from the back, they are also often our
first pass and have a crucial role in starting our attack.

- Fullbacks are the players on the team who will likely engage in the
most 1v1 battles. As such they need to be patient in their tackles
and look to force the player to the outside of the field when
possible.

- The two fullbacks need to be in constant communication with the

centre-back about their line, attempting to keep opposition
players off-side and shifting up and down as a unit.

- Fullbacks can also join the attack and get forward! They can look
to provide crosses or even shots from deep. As one joins the
attack, the other should usually provide balance by staying back.
Although if the ball is on the right side, the left-back can go
forward (and vice versa) if there is no player in behind to cover.
- Central midfielders have an essential role as the link between defense and attack.
Although they can defend side by side, in attack they usually shouldn’t both go up at
the same time, especially not in a 3-2-3 formation. As one goes up, the other needs
to cover in behind as they follow the play up field.

- The central midfielders need to be careful not to get stretched apart too far to their
respective sides. When attacking, width should rarely come from the central
midfielders. In all stages of the game, they should never be too close together or
too far apart.

- When defending/in defensive transitions the central midfielders need to help cover
the gap between the winger and fullback by shutting down the wide areas and
shifting with the play. They can work alongside the fullbacks to create 2v1
situations down the wings, outnumbering the opposition winger on the ball. As one
goes wide, the other stays central, covering central options and eliminating space.

- They also need to support the centre back by constantly communicating about the
position of the opposition’s attacking midfielder/highest central midfielder and
ensuring they are not available for a pass.

- Central midfielders are essential in all major principles of play. They need to provide
outlets when playing out from the back. They help to make up the bottom of the
diamond in pressing from the front. They are paramount in switching play from left
to right and crucial in helping the team reshape during transitions. They are
arguably the most important players to the 9v9 game.
- Wingers need to be dynamic, forward-thinking and have the ability
to score goals and create chances.

- In attack they should look to maintain width and move up and

down the line. This allows for greater ability for the team to switch
play from side to side.

- They should also come closer to the ball when playing out from the
back, particularly when the ball is on their side.

- Although wingers don’t have as much of a defensive responsibility

as other roles, they are paramount to pressing from the front.
When pressing, the near-sided winger provides cover and the far-
sided winger provides balance.
- Like fullbacks, wingers are often involved in many 1v1 battles.
Therefore, wingers should have the ability and know-how of when
to change speed and change direction. Wingers have the freedom
to be creative, such as cutting inside with the ball, putting crosses
into the box, linking up with the striker and central midfielders,
taking players on, etc.
- The striker often needs to be the main source of scoring goals and creating
chances for others. But their role goes far beyond that.

- The striker is the first defender on the team. They are the first player to
pressure the ball when pressing from the front. They need to have a desire to
chase down loose-balls and stop the other team from playing in and around their
goal.

- As most opposition centre-backs in 9v9 will stick to their opposing strikers like
glue, the striker’s off-the-ball movement is integral to their success. They should
be looking for moments to get away from their opposition defender, create
space in behind, run onto the end of through balls and even play with their back
to goal, linking up with other players and bringing them into the game. It is also
important that they watch the off-side line, so that they are always in a position
to receive the ball. They can look for space in between the opposition defenders,
and play on the shoulder of the defender, rather than letting the opposing
defender mark them out of the game.

- The striker can also get involved in playing out from the back, by coming
towards the ball and looking to get in between the lines of the opposition.

- When defending, the striker should almost always stay high, unless they are
coming back to stop the opposition’s defensive midfielder from playing or chasing
down a centre-back who has made a run forward.
1. Striker First To Press
- Immediately and quickly.

2. Force Inside
- Force toward their own goal, where the far-sided
winger waits to pounce.
- Slanted body angle to cut off the outside.

3. Diamond Shape
- Maintain diamond shape. Striker at the point of the
diamond, wingers at the sides and central midfielder
at the lowest point of the diamond.

4. Pressure, Cover, Balance

- Striker press, near-sided winger cover, central
midfielder cover, far-sided winger provide balance.
- Both CM’s may be required to get involved
depending on a switch of play.
- If ball moves to another player, maintain the
diamond shape and shift who provides pressure,
cover and balance based on who is now closest to
the ball and what players need to be covered.
Striker: Edge of the box.
Wingers: Cover long pass to the wingers
ball-side, but does not need to be goal-
side. Fullbacks to cover goal-side.
Central Midfielders: Remain active and
high, covering the other team’s central
midfielders ball-side and goal-side.
Defenders: Remain watchful of opposition
attackers. Remain central and compact.
Shift to the side of the ball.

Striker Actions
- Anticipate the direction of the pass to
get there by the time the player
receives
- Pressure the player on the ball quickly
and immediately
- Force inside
- Win the ball back
Actions
- Diamond shape between both wingers,
striker and near-sided central midfielder to
eliminate space
- Another diamond shape between striker,
near-sided winger, central midfielder and
fullback
- Keep diamond throughout each pass the
opposition completes, shifting as a unit to
create new diamonds with new players if
necessary.

Striker: Angle body so that centre-back is

forced back toward their goal.
Far Wing: Close the middle.
Near Wing: Cover passing option.
CM’s: Cover the other team’s central
midfielders.
Defenders: Shift to the side of the ball,
communicate about movement of striker.
Actions
- Maintain the defensive principles of play
(pressure, cover, balance) throughout the
press.
- Switch roles of who pressures, who covers
and who provides balance for each
successful pass the opposition makes.
- In the diagram for example, if the pass is
switched to the other centre-back, the LW
needs to pressure, striker provides balance
as the two central midfielders quickly react
and cover.

First Pass
Striker: Pressure
Near Wing: Cover
Near Centre-Mid: Cover
Far Wing: Balance
Near Fullback: Balance
All other Players: Compactness
1.Space in Between the Lines
- Central midfielders and strikers create space in
between the lines of the opposition.

2. Shifting & Width

- Maintain width to allow for switches and outlets
away from the goal.
- Shift as a unit toward the side with the ball.

3. Positional Rotation
- Create chaos for the opposition
through positional rotation of the two fullbacks
and two central midfielders OR striker(s) with
central midfielders.

4. Switching Play
- Don’t force it forwards if not on; go backwards
and look to switch instead.
- Use goalkeeper or central players as method of
switching play rather than long diagonals.
- Create a strong side in order to exploit a weak
side in the opposition.
Striker in Between the Lines
- Striker creates space in between the lines and comes deep to
receive. This creates a numerical advantage in the middle, as
wingers stay high and wide.
Central Midfielders in Between the Lines
- Central midfielders create space in between the lines and
prepare to receive the first pass if the opposition has pressed
high. Start higher up the field and quickly come closer to the ball,
creating distance between self and opposition central midfielder.
 Key Factors

- Fullbacks start low and wide, wingers

start high and wide. Both can be options
for the first pass depending on how high
the opposition press.

- Fullbacks and wingers maintain width for

switches of play.

- Striker, far-sided fullback and central

midfielders shift to the side of the ball and
create a strong side.

- Far-sided winger maintains width on

other side to exploit.
 Key Factors

- Create chaos for the opposition and space to

exploit through positional rotation of the two
fullbacks and two central midfielders.

- This can alleviate the lack of options due to a

high press from the opposition.

- Use of a trigger word (ex: “switch”) or number

from the goalkeeper can inspire the rotation.

- Patience from the goalkeeper in waiting for a

central midfielder to be in a position to receive
once they switch to the fullback position.

- Striker can also rotate with a central midfielder

to create space higher up.
 Key Factors

- Don’t force it forwards. If not on, go

backwards and look to switch instead.

- Use goalkeeper or central players as

method of switching play rather than longer
diagonal passes.

- Central defender can create space

underneath fullback to give a second
backwards option.

- Maintain width and exploit weak side in

the opposition.

- Short and quick passes.

 Key Factors

- Centre-Back starts low on one side.

Goalkeeper plays to that side. Now we have
another backwards option if needed.

- Far-sided central midfielder covers the

middle. But this is not a passing option!

- Near-sided central midfielder, near-sided

winger and striker move closer to the ball to
varying degrees. Right winger should be
very close.

- If we play back to the centre-back or the

goalkeeper, the far-sided fullback can move
backwards to create width again and then
we can switch play to the opposite side.
1. Use of Central Players to Switch
- Utilize central players to switch play,
particularly central midfielders when in the
opposition’s half. In other moments, use
centre back, goalkeeper or even the striker.

2. Fullbacks Create Overloads

- Far-sided fullback goes forward to create
numerical superiority in attack down the
weak side.

3. Avoid Two Players in Same Passing Lane

- Two players in same passing lane will only
slow us down, like in the picture shown when
we could instead go direct from right back to
left back.

4. Activate Speed after Switch

- Slow tempo down to go backwards and
switch but speed up immediately after the
switch. Don’t allow other team to shift across
in time.
 Key Factors Key Factors

- Don’t force it forwards. If we need to go backwards, - Far-sided fullback goes forward to create numerical
look to play in our central midfielders and switch play. superiority in attack down the weak side.

- Wingers maintain width so that we can switch play. - We can switch to the fullback or use the fullback in a
2v1 with overlaps and underlaps.
 Key Factors
- Two players in the same passing lane will only slow us
down as we have to then make an extra pass in order
to switch play.
- When possible go direct from one side to the other.
Look to utilize CM if going direct is not possible.
Key Factors
- Slow tempo during switch but speed up immediately
after the switch.
- Don’t allow other team to shift across in time

Steps
As soon as we lose the ball…
1. Pressure the Ball
2. Cover Passing Options
3. Eliminate Space (Compactness)
1. Speed to get back into position or to stop their
attack.
2. Scanning the field to see where opposition players
are and how we can stop them
3. Communication regarding who should pressure,
cover, and provide compactness
Who?
As soon as we lose the ball…
1. Pressure: Closest to the ball.
2. Cover: Players close to the ball and
with players around them to mark.
3. Compactness: Far-sided players
eliminate space in the middle.
PASS

• You are being closed

down/pressure is being - Off-The-Ball Movement to create space. See Support in
applied. Attack for more on how to move off-the-ball.

• You have players in - Width! Stretch the field, get wide and make the field bigger.
advantageous positions.
• You can eliminate all or - Speed! Transition quickly either with a forward pass or a
several defenders with a forward dribble and don’t give opposition time to set up.
pass.
• You can no longer advance
forward

DRIBBLE

• You have space/no pressure

is being applied.
• You have no players in
advantageous positions.
• Defenders are backing off
and appear more concerned
about the potential passing
options.
• You can no longer advance
forward (change direction)
 Key Factors

- React to the movements

and passes of the
opposition by shifting with
the play.

- Far-sided players come to

the middle when the ball is
on the opposite side
(compactness in defense).

- Also be proactive with

shifting to the middle, such
as when playing out from
the back. The defender can
come inside, in case the
opposition team were to
win the ball. Then if a
switch is made to the
goalkeeper, the defender
can retrieve to their wide
position again for a switch
of play.
Key Factors
- Close the middle
- Force the opposition to the outside.
- Eliminate space and passing options. Ball-side, goal-side covering.
- Constant communication about who should pressure, cover and
provide balance, as the team shifts and slides depending on the
movement of the ball.
- Force a mistake and go on the attack immediately.
 Key Factors

- Adopt positions closer to

the ball, in front of the
opposition defenders.

- Create space away from

opposition defenders
where you can receive
with space to roam

- Sometimes moving away

from the ball can create
space for another player
to move into
- Recognize the path that a
player on the ball is
running into and create
space in an alternate
direction away from their
path.
Key Factors
- Through player movement, give several options for short
passes. The player on the ball should always have at least
one sideways, backwards and forwards option.
- Drop to provide a backwards option for a pass if one does
not already exist.
- Be prepared to receive in a position to go forwards or
backwards with or after the first touch (half-turn). Never
turn your back to the ball.
 Key Words & Phrases

•“UP!” / “MOVE UP” – By moving up as a unit teams can keep the opposition players off-side. This can also afford the team greater passing
options and the ability to keep the pressure on the opposition. But this movement up and down needs to be done as a unit, making
communication even more imperative. If one player shouts “Up!” and three players advance but one player stays back, the opposition will
be kept on-side. This is not the fault of the one player who stayed back, but the rest of the players for not communicating properly about
moving up together and not waiting for the player. If there is pressure on the ball, defenders can also communicate to move up as a unit,
because it becomes harder for the opposition to hit a longer pass in behind.

•“DROP!” / “MOVE BACK” – When the other team regains possession or there is no pressure on the ball, players need to communicate to
drop as a unit. Pressure still needs to be applied, but the defenders should drop and ensure they are goal-side on their opposing players.

• “PRESSURE!” – Whenever the team does not have the ball, pressure should be applied immediately. There are very few instances in the
game (e.g. being outnumbered 2v1) where delaying becomes the better option than pressuring. Sometimes players become unsure if they
are closest to the ball or should be the one to pressure, so having that quick reminder can be helpful to ensuring the opposition player only
has a limited amount of time to make a decision.

• “SHOW INSIDE VS. OUTSIDE!” – The player pressuring the ball can force their opponent either inside or to the outside depending on the
situation. Generally, when the ball is in their own half, players should look to force to the outside (away from goal). When the ball is in the
opposition’s half, players should look to force to the inside (toward their own goal). Depending on where the team has cover, sometimes it
can also be beneficial to show inside or outside in reverse. It is all about reading the situation.

• MARKING – When defending corner kicks, throw-in’s, free kicks, etc., teams playing 9v9 will generally adopt a player-to-player marking
approach for reasons of simplicity. In these situations, players should communicate about who is marking who. It also becomes imperative
in many other moments of the game, depending on the movement of the opposition players away from their traditional markers.
 Key Words & Phrases

•“GET WIDE!” – Creating width will give teams more space to exploit on the field when in possession. This can be
communicated on goal-kicks, after the first regain of possession (attacking transitions) or when looking to switch play.

• “HERE!” – Should be communicated when the player is open and in a good position to receive. Can also be non-
verbal by pointing where they want to receive or raising the hand to demonstrate that they are open. Note – calling
the player’s name will usually be more effective than “Here!”. Players should also be careful not to call for the ball if
they are not open. This is probably the number one communication mistake players make. All players want to be on
the ball. But they have to ensure they are actually open, by scanning the field, before calling for it.

•“TIME / SPACE!” vs. “BACK!” – When players are first receiving the ball they may be more focused on receiving than
their next course of action. If the player has time and space to move into, it is very helpful for others around them to
communicate that. It is also helpful if they have pressure on their back for that to be communicated as well such as
saying “Back!” to ask for the ball to be returned; or “On your back” to signal that pressure is behind them.

•“SHOW!” / “COME TO.” – The player in possession of the ball always needs to be provided options for a pass. So
players in behind, or even the player on the ball themselves, can communicate for players to “show” or “come toward
the ball” in order to maximize options for a pass.
 Key Factors

- Always try and have a - Scan the field before receiving.

backwards, forwards and
- Make eye contact with the player when asking for the ball.
sideways option available
and look to create triangles
- In most cases, the first touch needs to be….
or diamonds for support. 1. Away from pressure
2. Into space
- Drop to create backward 3. On the half-turn, with the ability to play forwards or
options for passes. backwards.
4. On the back-foot (the foot furthest away from where
- Avoid having two players the ball is coming from)
in the same passing lane.

- Be patient in possession.
Don’t just kick it away but - Move to create space. Get away from the opposition.
look for the right option
- Give the player on the ball a variety of different options,
- Look to play short when primarily options to play short, but also a few longer options
possible, unless the long through movement…not standing still!
option is the absolute best
option to play or the - If you move into a great position but the player on the ball
does not play you the ball, move again and see what else you
opposition’s pressure is too
can create for yourself.
much for us.
- There is no space to advance into/you’re being
closed down.

- When pressure is applied or when your back is

turned to goal with pressure behind you.

- When receiving square on without knowledge

of what’s behind you.

- When there are no viable forward passing

options.

- When you have space

- No pressure is being applied

- When there are available passing options

- When the first touch is out of the feet and into

space

- When players around you have created an

overload on one side of the field in front of you.
In the vast majority of cases, players should be looking to take
their first touch…
- Before taking a touch or receiving a
• Away from pressure / away from the nearest defender(s) pass, players need to learn how to
• Into space scan the field by checking their
• Out of their feet (not too far not too close) shoulder. If they are not aware of their
• On the half-turn. surroundings when taking a touch,
they may easily make the mistake of
However…. taking their first touch right into
pressure.
When receiving the ball in the air and attempting to control it
- Players also need to communicate to
with the first touch (rather than clear it away or shoot it),
the player who is about to take their
players should be looking to control the ball closer to their
first touch, helping them understand if
bodies, bring it down and then play from there.
they have time and space or if they
have pressure on their back and
Receiving on the half-turn can be dangerous if the player has
should play backwards.
pressure directly in behind them. By receiving on the half-turn
in a case like this, the player on the ball is only allowing the
opposing defender a greater chance at recovering possession.
- When taking players on, the three ways to beat a
defender are through: a change of speed, change of
direction, or skill moves.
- Players must time these changes of speed/direction
and skills based on the decisions of the defender, such
as distance/time, when the defender is about to tackle,
body angle, etc. Read body position of defender to go
opposite direction.
- Don’t overdo it, don’t try to be the hero and do too
much on your own. Know when to release the ball to a
teammate or via a shot after beating a defender.
- After beating defender with change of speed, change
of direction or skill move, continue to accelerate to get
away from defender.
- Skill Moves: Cuts, chops, scissors, stepover, push-pull,
V-push, shoulder fake, roll-cut, roll-over, etc.
- When defending against another player, the angle of
approach is very important. In the opposition’s half, the angle
of approach can force the opposition player back toward
their own goal. In one’s own half, the body angle should be
away from goal.
- Timing of the tackle, don’t dive in.
- Use speed to stop the player before they can make their
next decision. This is especially important if the defender is
beaten on the first move but the same player remains in
possession (i.e. hasn’t passed the ball off yet).
- If the situation is occurring close to the team’s own goal,
the defender may need to be more proactive in making the
first move, rather than reactive. The player on the ball
cannot be given any time or space to make a decision.
Pressing ✔

Playing out from

the back ✔

Switching Play ✔

2 Centre-Backs
4 Midfielders
2 Strikers
Strikers: Edge of the box.
Wing-Backs: Mark goal side and ball-
side on opposition wingers.
Central Midfielders: Remain active
and high, covering the other team’s
central midfielders.
Centre-Backs: Remain central and
compact, and shift to the side of the
ball.

Actions
- Pressure the player on the ball
quickly and immediately
- Cover potential passing options
and create diamond shape
- Win the ball back
R Striker: Angle body so that centre-
back is forced back toward their
goal.
L Striker: Close the middle.
R Wing-Back: Cover passing option.
L Wing-Back: Close the middle.
Central Midfielders: Cover the other
team’s central midfielders.
Centre-Backs: Shift to the side of
the ball, communicate about
movement of striker.

Actions
- Force back to the middle
- Keep diamond shape
- Win the ball back
R Striker: Angle body so that
centre-back is forced back toward
their goal.
L Striker: Intercept switch of play.
R Wing-Back: Cover passing option.
L Wing-Back: Pressure if switch
gets through.
Central Midfielders: Cover the
other team’s central midfielders.
Centre-Backs: Shift to the side of
the ball, communicate about
movement of striker.

Actions
- Shift to the side of the ball
- Pressure quickly
- Keep diamond shape
- Win the ball back
R Striker: Close middle.
L Striker: Cover passing options.
R Wing-Back: Close middle and
cover central midfielder.
L Wing-Back: Angle body to force
centre back toward their goal.
L Centre-Mid: Cover the right
winger in place of the wing-back.
R Centre-Mid: Shift to cover central
midfielder closest to the ball.
Centre-Backs: Shift to the side of
the ball, communicate about
movement of striker.

Actions
- Shift to the side of the ball
- Angle back toward goal
- Keep diamond shape
- Win the ball back
Centre Backs: Wide, inside of the
box.
Wing-Backs: High and wide.
Central Midfielders: In between
the lines. Can vary depending on
how high they press.
Strikers: In between the lines,
hiding initially.

Actions
- Maintain width
- Look for space, particularly in
between the lines of the
opposition
- Don’t just stand still; constantly
moving and scanning
Centre Backs: Receive first pass from goalkeeper. If ball is played
to your partner instead, close the middle.

Wing-Backs: Near-side come toward ball after first pass; far-side

maintain width.

Central Midfielders: Shift to side of the ball and look for space
in between the lines.

Strikers: Shift to side of the ball. Near-side striker comes deep

to be an option, far-side remains high. Near-side can even look
to create space to be the second pass.

Actions
- Maintain width
- Look for space, particularly in between the lines of the
opposition
- Don’t just stand still; constantly moving and scanning
Centre Backs: Use goalkeeper to switch play. Far-sided centre-back
move backwards facing the ball to become a wide option again.

Wing-Backs: Maintain width so that a switch play can occur.

Central Midfielders: Shift with the play and cover the middle in
case anything goes wrong.

Strikers: Shift with the play. Create chaos for opposition centre-
backs with movement.

Actions
- Maintain width
- Rapidly switch play with short and quick passes.
- Shift with the play
Decide what values you want to employ with your team to get the best out of them, and
constantly reinforce these values throughout the season. Here are our 7 key factors.
1. Effort - Work ethic, desire to learn and grow, appetite for the game

2. Attitude - Toward new ideas, their learning and improvement, other players, different
positions and uncomfortable situations

3. Attendance – Attending practices, games and being on-time for warm-ups.

4. Self-Belief - Toward one's own abilities and believing that areas of improvement can
indeed improve.

5. Leadership - Communication on and off the field, support for other players,
encouragement, motivating others, team talks & specific leadership tasks

6. Translation of Learning - The ability to translate what was learned in previous practices
and games to future practices and games. This will relate back to effort and attitude put
forth with learning, but going beyond that to how it translates on the field.

7. Positional Strength - The more a player is able to establish themselves in specific

positions (ex: goalkeeper) and apply what they have learned in these positions, the more
playing time they may earn.
 This team’s values & how to stop…

• Quick & short passing and moving

Press as a unit. Don’t run in circles, but
pressure based on who is closest to the
ball

• Midfield overloads and possession

Striker comes back to help defend
against their defensive midfielder.
Central midfielders remain in constant
communication and mark closely to
stop opposition’s midfield control.

• Long Shots
Force to the outside whenever
possible. Don’t let players cut inside on
their strong foot. Put body in the way
and don’t be afraid of the shot. Foul if
absolutely necessary.
 CENTRAL MIDFIELDER
- Likes to drive forward
with the ball
- Don’t let them dribble. Force to
the outside. Tackle early. Foul if
necessary.
- Strong off-the-ball movement
- Follow and track their runs.
Always be goal-side and ball-side.
- Central midfielders
communicate about where this
player is positioned and who
should be marking them.
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
- Good in transitional moments
- Track their runs forward. Be
mindful of their vertical movement
up and down the pitch through
constant scanning.
- Good on the ball
- Don’t let them receive. Be mindful
of their horizontal movement and
cover those movements. (Striker
helps).
- Don’t dive in, remain patient and
force them into making a mistake.
- Likes to shoot from distance
- Urgency to pressure the ball as
quick as possible.
- Mark tight when not in possession
of the ball.
- Track their runs forward.
LEFT WING
- Likes to cut inside on their
right foot
- Angle body to force to the
outside. Don’t let inside!
- Times runs into the box well.
- Track movement toward the
middle through constant
scanning.
- Always be goal-side and ball-
side.
- Communicate with centre-back
about their movement, especially
in cases when fullback needs to
stop marking and centre-back
marks instead.
By playing long on
the goal kicks, you
are only playing into
their hands.

Instead, play short to

the defenders and
look to play in and
around your own
goal, building up to
forward passes at the
right moment.
 This team’s values & how to stop…

• Fast and intense play.

Quick defensive transitions.
Aggression and speed to match the
movement of the front three, which
may interchange.

• Quick & short passing and moving.

Press as a unit. Don’t run in circles, but
pressure based on who is closest to
the ball

• Use central players to switch play.

Mark wide players closely. Don’t run
in circles as they pass the ball around.
Pressure one at a time and be
prepared for the switch. Stop the
defensive midfielder and attacking
midfielder from playing through tight
marking.
 STRIKER
- Likes to drive forward
with the ball
- Don’t let them dribble. Force to
the outside. Tackle early.
- Strong off-the-ball movement
- Follow and track their runs.
- Always be goal-side and ball-
side.
- Don’t let them receive on set-
pieces. The player marking them
should be able to match speed
and aggression.
- Aggressive and intense
- Match their aggression and
intensity. Play hard, but fair.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
- Wicked left-foot
- Make sure everyone is marking a
player on their set-pieces.
- Shut down immediately when
they have the ball. Do not let them
shoot from distance, especially not
on the left foot.
- Good on the ball
- Don’t let them receive. Central
midfielders communicating to
always make sure they are not in a
position to receive
- Be mindful of their horizontal
movement and cover those
movements.
- Don’t dive in, remain patient and
force them into making a mistake
RIGHT WING
- Likes to drive forward
with the ball
- Angle body to force to the
outside
- Use speed and time the tackle.
Don’t dive in.
- Our left winger comes back to
help and double-team them in a
2v1.
- Changes direction often
- Use speed and time the tackle.
Don’t dive in.
- Cover potential backwards
options.
- Don’t give up after being
beaten.
• Short and quick passes. Off
the ball movement to
receive and get into
positions quickly depending
on the movement of the
ball.
• All players should be closer
to the ball, closer to the
goal and have less distance
between them when playing
out from the back.
• Play backwards after the
first pass if necessary.
• Go long if it is the best
option. Wingers ready to
receive closer to the ball,
but still high and wide if so.
- Mark tight. Be first to the ball! Get
in front of their players and don’t let
them have room to breathe.
Don’t be afraid to head it out.

- The team’s most aggressive

defenders get on the opposition’s
most aggressive attackers. Track
their runs and get touch-tight.

- 1 CM get in between the two most

dangerous players. Other players
who are marking should mark
players that they would normally be
watching during the game (if it is a
good match).

- Far-sided winger get on far post to

stop a shot from going in. Other
centre-mid on other post. Striker get
in front of their defensive mid.
This team’s values & how to stop…

• Physicality
Match them with strength and
aggression.

• Defensive-Mid-Attacking Mid
Balance
Central midfielders play in
between the lines created by them
when in possession. Striker moves
to get away from DM’s desire to
screen

• Long-balls on goal kicks.

Resort to a low-block rather than
pressing high. Anticipate the side
of the kick based on keeper’s body
position and eye contact.
 CENTRE-BACK
- Marks the striker like glue
- Constant movement to get away.
Scanning to see their position. If
they get too tight, beat them with
a quick change of speed/direction.
- Plays well out from the back
- Pressure immediately and
intensely. Don’t give time and
space. Communicate who should
pressure.
- Aggressive
- Force into a mistake, force them
into making a foul through quick
changes of direction/speed.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
- Strong horizontal movement to
take up dangerous positions.
- Central midfielders
communicating about their
movement when opposition has the
ball
- Often looks to play vertical early
- Centre-back ensure their striker is
covered to intercept and stop
passes into the striker.
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
- Solid positional awareness
- Central midfielders play in
between the lines (in between AM
and DM) to get away from them
when we have the ball.
- Screens the striker
- Striker movement in between the
three defenders and get away DM
when coming deep to receive the
ball. Come slightly to the left or
right to receive based on position
of the ball.
- Times tackles well
- Change of direction and change
of speed.
- Be patient, look to switch play.
They favour the right side on
goal kicks and look to play
high and wide to their right
winger.

If we believe they are going to

play to that side, we can shift
to the right and cut off all
right-sided options.

The fullbacks do not need to

cover, rather the central
midfielders and wingers
should instead. This is what is
called a “low-block” as
opposed to “high pressing.”

They mark tight. With each player on one of our
players.
Start outside the box, creating more distance for
us to run into.
Time the run into the box at exactly the right moment.
Corner kick taker can have their hand up and put their hand
down right before they take the kick.
Two or three players stay outside the box. Try and have four
in the box by the time the ball reaches their penalty area.
 EQUAL PLAYING TIME?

• Playing time at the youth level should be equal, so the starting lineup should not
be an overly stressful consideration.

• A great way to pick your starting lineup is to simply choose the first players to
arrive at the field. A player who shows up early demonstrates to the coach that
they want to be there and that they are prepared to take the necessary steps to
be ready in time to start the match. Who is going to be more game-ready when
the referee’s whistle blows: the player who arrived an hour before the match or
the player who came walking in ten minutes before? It’s an easy answer.

• Alternatively you can base the decision off your established key factors (values)
such as attendance, attitude, positional strength, etc. Just make sure to
communicate these values to your team constantly so they are aware of what it
takes to crack the starting 9.
 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

When picking a starting lineup, ask yourself the following questions…

- Which players will bring something different or particularly necessary to the
game and give the team the best chance at achieving our intended outcomes?
- What type of player/personality do I need in each position?
- What players should start as substitutes and why?
- How much playing time should every player get & why? Are the starting players
likely to get more playing time or less?
- Can equal playing time be achieved?
- What is the level of opposition?
- What is the opposition’s style and system of play? Who are their key players?
Balance: Shifting with the play to eliminate space,
often more proactive than reactive.
Between The Lines: Finding space in between the
horizontal lines of the opposition, such as how
there could be space in between our three
defenders and two CM’s in our formation.
Compactness: To get closer together and closer to
the middle, eliminating space in the middle of the
pitch and forcing the opposition to the outside.
Cover: Eliminate a passing option by occupying the
same space as an opposition player.
Near-Side: The player in a positional duo that is
closest to the ball (ex: near-sided central
midfielder)
Far-Side: The player in a positional duo that is
furthest away from the ball (ex: far-sided central
midfielder)
Half-Turn: Receiving the ball with the body half-
turned toward the direction of the ball and half to
the space in front of the player. This gives the
player the ability to play both forwards and
backwards in one swift motion.
High Press: When the opposition pressures the ball
high up the field, attempting to win it back closer to
the opposition’s goal.
Low-Block: When the opposition retreats their
position lower on the field, instead of pressing from
the front; attempting to win the ball back closer to
their own goal.
Overlap: A run made on the outside of the player
who has the ball, with the intention of either playing
them in, or forcing the opposing defender into a
difficult 2v1 situation.
Overload: Creating a situation in attack where we
have more attackers on one side than they have
defenders
Playing out from the Back: Building up our
possession of the ball closer to our goal as opposed
to just kicking it forward in hopes that we will win a
50/50 duel.
Pressing: The elimination of space and time by the
defending team as a unit, through quick and
immediate action. To delay the attacking team a
route to go forward, while working as a unit to win
the ball back.
Pressure: The act of closing down the player on the
ball through quick and immediate action.
Proactive: Making a movement in case something
goes wrong (ex: closing the middle when playing out
from the back just in case the opposition win it back).
Or to force the opposition into a mistake (ex: a
defender angling their body toward the outside).
Reactive: Reacting to the decisions of the opposing
team, particularly when defending (ex: shifting to the
right as the ball makes its way to that side).
Shifting: Moving as a defensive unit to the side of the
ball.
Switching Play: Passing the ball from one side to the
other in order to change the point of attack.
Transitions: The moment that we have either just
regained possession or lost possession and what we
do immediately afterward on and off-the-ball to
reshape and restructure..
Underlap: A run made on the inside of the player
with the ball, with the intention of either playing
them in, or forcing the defender into a difficult 2v1
situation.
 FORMATIONS SESSION PLANS COACHING TIPS

Best Formations for 9v9
Best Formations for 9v9
(Podcast Episode)
Best Formations for 9v9 (Part 2)
3-2-3
Coaching the 3-2-3 (9v9)
Playing Out From The Back – Full
Session Plan and Key Coaching Points
1V1 Attacking & Defending – Session
Plan & Key Coaching Points
Attacking Transitions – Full Session
Plan and Key Coaching Points
Switching Play – Session Plan and
Key Coaching Points
5 Common Mistakes Coaches Make
The Steps to a Perfect
Demonstration for Any Activity
Restricted vs. Conditioned Games:
Explaining The Difference
4 Reasons Your Practice Isn’t
Working

Positions, Roles and Attack-Minded Fullbacks – Full

Responsibilities in the 3-2-3 (9v9) Session Plan and Key Coaching Points

Combination Play – Full Session Plan

and Key Coaching Points