Welcome to the second part of this mini series on the set up and consequences of your practice environment.
The first series was set up in a way that most coaches experience - 1/2 to 1/4 of field, typically no goal, or goal keeper, or even just the space to have a large 'tactical' session, in theory. However, the set up and decisions that you make should be all about enhancing and focusing on your game model.
Do you try to break lines? What 'goal scoring' set up works for you? The same for more direct and counter attacking styles. Really dig into what you are doing and why.
This second part is all about the luxurious field set up with the use of a goal and a 1/2 field or thereabouts.
Attacking an End Zone / Target Line.
Replicating the build out. Here, the 'goal kick' is the starting point, but in the flow of a practice you should get lots of repetition for building out based on real and relevant game play.
It's a deep end zone to replicate playing into the middle third and the potential change in your game model as you move through the thirds of the field. This is a 6v5 (including the Blue #1). Note the behavior of the full backs breaking the lines. If this is a part of your model and the behavior you want to see - use it, please!
Attacking Target Goals
Attacking those target goals encourages a different type of behavior. I like to have the goals staggered, based on my game model. So, the wing goals, replicate the channels for the ball to break lines. The central goal is replicating a target player dropping to receive and help the team break lines. How do you want your team to build through to the middle third with accuracy? I like to replicate playing into channels - target goals require accuracy, reward risk, but are not an aimless kick away.
Attacking a Target Man
In this example, the target is the #9 and high. You could have wingers as targets or change the challenge for the target, with a shadow / covering defender. Embrace whatever you might face, or want to improve. I encourage the #9 to stay high to help us stretch the field. It gives us space to build as opposition players are constantly worried about the depth threat - it also encourages my players to look more route 1 and get into support quickly - we can't always play through.
So, similar situations to those posed in the first series, but presented in a different way for you to consider the effects on your team, model, and environment.
Enjoy and let me know what you think @leedunnesoccer