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As our players get older and more experienced they progress from 4v4 to 7v7 games. Progressing from 4v At 7v7 players are introduced to specific field positions and units. These are broken down into defenders, midfielders and attackers with the Coach identifying and defining the roles and responsibilities of each unit within the system. The Coach now starts to develop individual players while also connecting them to the unit and the team. Also provided is and introduction to set ups and formations for coaches in preparation for 7v7 formats of the game. New USSF initiatives The USSF announced new player development initiatives to be rolled out from August 2016 with the standards being mandatory August 2017. The intention is “to develop players with more individual skill, intelligence, creativity and confidence.” These initiatives include players progressing from 4v4 to 7v7 formats of the game at U9 and continuing to play 7v7 at U10. Included in these initiatives is the introduction of the build out line.
Recommendations for Player Development – 7v
US Soccer 7v7 Set Up Guidelines The Offside Rule and Build Out Line Teaching players about the fundamental laws of the game at 9 and 10 years old is beneficial because it will help players to learn important concepts in the game. Such as when and where to move and how to make better decisions when attacking and defending based on their position on the field, teammates and the ball. The Build Out line introduces the offside rule to players but only applies in the final third of play so it allows for more creativity and less interruption to the game at these ages. It also encourages teams to play out from the back with the goalkeeper. US Soccer has introduced the ‘build out line’ into 7v7 games. The build out line is 14 yards from each goal. When the goalkeeper has the ball, the opposition must retreat behind the build out line. This allows the goalkeeper and team to play out from the back without being immediately pressured. Goalkeepers are not permitted to kick/punt the ball from their hands as this would defeat the purpose of the build out line and reduce the opportunities to play out from the back. The build out line removes the need for young goalkeepers to be physically and technically able to play the ball into the middle or attacking third of the field. It prevents the opposing team from waiting to capitalize on a goalkeepers mistake in order to regain possession in their attacking third and allows the team to work on playing out of the back from the goalkeeper. Young goalkeepers can now pass, roll or throw the ball out from the back to a teammate. Once the ball has been played out, normal play resumes.
GK-‐ 2 -‐ 1 -‐ 2 -‐1:
A Goalkeeper, 2 x defenders, 1 x holding midfielder, 2 x midfielders (left and right) and 1 x attacking player are set up in the 2-‐ 1 -‐ 2 -‐1 formation. This system is set up to promote combination play in possession and compactness when out of possession. It is similar to the 2-‐ 3 -‐1 but changes to the role of the CM from an AM to that of HM. They may even at times become a center back as OB get pulled wide in defense. At times the natural qualities of the players you have playing in the CM will determine if you play more in a 2-‐ 3 -‐1 or 2-‐ 1 -‐ 2 -‐1.
GK-‐ 3 -‐ 2 -‐1:
The 3-‐ 2 -‐ 1 formation incorporates a goalkeeper, 3 x defenders (left, central and right), 2 x midfielders (left and right) and 1 x attacker. It encourages forward runs with width being provided by the wide defenders to create 1v1’s and overloads in wide areas. Out of possession this formation is set up to defend deep and provide cover in the defensive half of the pitch. This formation looks like a very defensive formation, however defenders will be encouraged to attack through wide areas and support behind the ball in central areas. Again there is a prevalent diamond shape between the central defender, 2 x midfielders and attacker.
receive. Work on establishing physical cues for movement such as the player in possession lifting his head up, traveling as the ball is traveling so the players can play quickly. If the ball is in channel 1 or 4, focus on players providing inside options in channels 2 and 3. Additionally, you may want an advanced option in channel 4 and it’s important to support the player on the ball by creating space to exploit. The GK should also be encouraged to be a drop option to relieve pressure when needed.
Creating attacking overloads Attacking players perform forward runs to outnumber the defenders. This creates passing options and forces defenders to move out of position. The image below is to help coaches create attacking overloads and includes a pitch divided into thirds. The red and blue teams are each set up in a 2-‐ 3 -‐1 in each zone. The defending teams players have to stay in their zone. This condition allows the Attacking team, when in possession, to move into space and break lines. It also develops a player's ability to recognize when to move to support the attack and when to hold position. Holding position will provide balance and cover if possession is lost. In our example, the blue player steps in and creates a 4v3 in the middle third of the pitch. This creates questions for the remaining blue player. Do they step out? This would leave the opposing forward unmarked which may be problematic for them later if his team loses possession. Does the defender shift across and mark the player? It’s important to recognize that the teams needs, to support each other and still be set up to defend, even when in possession. Transition happens quickly so the blue defender should stay but it the same situation was set up higher in the field maybe a midfield could go because they have the benefit of having a defender to cover for them. It is important that player recognize not only the situation but where is it occurring on the field If required, the centre forward can also drop deep and create a 5v3 in midfield. When the ball does go into the forward in the final third, how are the midfielders moving to support the attack? Have they got security behind if possession breaks down? Do they advance beyond the forward? Again there are lots of opportunities to coach different scenarios within this simple practice design. And they are all very realistic to what is happening in the game.
