Gareth Southgate Session

Creative Attacking Play

 Introduction
The enclosed is a four-part session coaching
players Creative Attacking Play. It builds players
knowledge in three areas, playing through, playing
around, and playing over, to create opportunities
to score goals.

The session was used by Gareth Southgate on

regular occasions in his time as England u21
coach. The key coaching point in all exercises is to
be positive, look to try things, relax and play.
Creativity is essential.

The session plan does not include a specific warm-

up. Players should look to complete a 10-15
minutes ball-related warm-up prior to the session.

The diagrams included in this eBook are provided

using the excellent Tactics Manager software by
SoccerTutor.com.

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Exercise 1 – Playing
into end zones
Set-Up:

• Area approximately 30 x 40 yds appropriate to

player numbers and ability
• Session designed for 9 v 9 plus goalkeepers
• ‘Keepers play behind end zones and do not
defend, used for distribution

4
Description:

Two teams compete in a possession exercise, with

the aim to pass to a team-mate in the end zone or
run the ball over the line. Obvious offsides are
penalised. Play starts with one of the ‘keepers,
playing to a team-mate.

Key Coaching Points:

Area is tight so key coaching points are:

• Movement
• Rotation
• Width/Depth
• Quick tempo
• Forward runs
• Combination Play

If players struggle initially, start with larger area or

remove players and rotate.

5
Exercise 2 – Switching
Play
Set-Up:

• Area approximately 40 x 40 yds appropriate to

player numbers and ability
• Session designed for 9 v 9 plus goalkeepers
• Two small goals split at each end
• Central coned or Mannequin area
• ‘Keepers play behind end zones and do not
defend, used for distribution

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Description:

Two teams compete in a possession exercise, with

the aim to score either by scoring in small goals or
by running the ball between the coned area. Again,
obvious offsides should be penalised. Play starts
from one of the two ‘keepers.

Key Coaching Points:

As per the previous exercise, the following are key:

• Movement
• Rotation
• Width/Depth
• Quick tempo
• Forward runs
• Combination Play

Plus additionally, teams should be encouraged to

switch play (ie find space round the opposition)

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Exercise 3 – Defence v
Attack Phase of Play
Set-Up:

• Area approximately half a full-size pitch (full

width) appropriate to player numbers and ability
• Session designed for 9 v 9 plus goalkeepers
• One full-sized goal with ‘keepers rotating
• Defending team sets up with 4-4-1 formation
• Attacking team play with 1-4-4 formation (full-
backs pushed into midfield), with the one
defender used to feed/start exercise.

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Description:

Feeder starts with ball. Team in possession look to

score. If defending team win possession, they
should look to clear quickly so play can restart
with feeder.

Key Coaching Points:

As per the previous exercise, the following are key:

• Movement
• Rotation
• Width/Depth
• Quick tempo
• Forward runs
• Combination Play
• Switch Play

Attacking team should also look for opportunities

to play over a defence pressing, and also for
longer diagonal passes.

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Exercise 4 – Intensive
Finishing
Set-Up:

• Area approximately 30 x 30 yds (appropriate to

player numbers and ability)
• Session designed for 9 v 9 plus goalkeepers
• Two full-sized goal with ‘keepers
• 5 v 5 in central area with four players on
attacking sides of the pitch as wall-passers (one
touch)

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Description:

This is a fun, intensive finishing exercise to end the

session. Play starts with one ‘keeper and players
should look to combine with team-mates and the
wall-passers to create chances and score goals.

Key Coaching Points:

• Movement
• Quick tempo
• Combination Play
• Finishing

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