Indian River Soccer Academy Est. 1986
Vero Beach FL
IRSA Session Plan 1
The Play Out Diamond
Keeping in line with our clubs Game Model, IRSA encourages its teams to understand and execute the principles outlined in the following session and in particular how it refers to the organization during the build out phase of play.
If we highlight the roles of the Goal Keeper, both Central Defenders and our nearest Central Midfield player (traditionally known as the #6), we can start to focus on the Play Out Diamond concept.
This session aims to quickly build a framework that will enable an overload situation during the build out phase of play where we have more players around the ball than the opposition.
Video Clip 1: Basic Partner-Diagonal Passing Pattern
This basic passing pattern will allow the coach the opportunity to focus on the ball speed (pace of pass), quality and precision of pass and basic fundamental such as receiving on the back-foot to play forward, scanning and checking shoulders along with positive communication etc.
Video Clip 2: Basic Partner-Diagonal Passing Pattern 2
We now include a Central Midfield player to link the play through the central areas. Here we can focus our attention towards the CM movement as the ball travels between the two Central Defenders. When the ball moves so does the Central Midfield player. This movement is particularly important but more so in its opposite angle to the player on the ball. Not only does the CM player move diagonally away from the ball but also drops down into the zone, nearer to the two Central Defenders in order to connect the play.
Video Clip 3: Basic Partner-Diagonal Passing Pattern 3
This third clip introduces some dynamic/creative movement away from the ball as we see the far pair execute a simple crossover run as the ball travels into the CM player. This keeps allayers active and also allows the CM to pass to a moving player.
Video Clip 4: Technical Session 1
Once the foundation has been set the players now work in groups of 7 as Goal Keepers are added at both ends of the playing area along with END ZONES for the GK and two Central Defenders to use as points of reference. If the CD decides to use the GK we can see in the video below how they now arrange themselves wide and deep, creating angles of support ready to receive and play forward.
Also - notice how all 7 players are active, adjusting their positions in relation to the ball and their teammates.
Video Clip 5: Technical Session 2
Players now work in groups of 8 as both Central Midfield players are now included in the central areas as the develop combination play during this build-out phase. Notice how both CM players operate on opposite and diagonal from each other to offer the two CD different options (line break opportunities).
The Central Midfield players are encouraged to vary their midfield patterns giving complete freedom to the player as long as it remains within the principles laid out.
Video Clip 6: Small Sided Activity 1
In the below video clip we can see two teams each with NEUTRAL PLAYERS that can focus on their functional elements such as the Central Defenders, Goal Keepers and Central Midfield players roles and responsibilities that have been established prior.
Two teams play a possession oriented game with the simple aim of keeping the ball by using the techniques shown in the earlier activities.
Only one defensive player is allowed into the YELLOW areas, however, if the GK is used, a second defensive player is permitted to join the press. Defenders, GK and CM players are prompted to recognize when they are being pressed (2 player press) and to quickly find a solution to play through, around or over the press.
If the defensive team win the ball they become the possession team (transitional moments).
Video Clip 7: Small Sided Activity 2
The team in possession remains with a numerical advantage, however, now we can include target goals for both teams (see below clip). Only one zone is used (YELLOW ZONE) for the attacking team with es asme conditions as the previous activity. Only one defensive player can press unless the GK is used, then two players can pressure.
If the defending team win the ball they attempt to score on the large goal in less than 5 seconds. The aim of the team in possession is to build out using the Play Out Diamond and score in one of the two target goals.