Objective: To address and mitigate the potential flaws in the hybrid fluid 3-4-3 playing system using operant conditioning (constraint-led) methods.
Session Duration: 60 minutes (add any additional activity you need to increase the learning capability of your players and to extend the training session duration).
Each session should start with a warm-up (10 minutes):
- Begin with a dynamic warm-up routine to activate the players’ muscles and prepare them for the session.
- Include exercises that focus on agility, coordination, and quick decision-making to align with the fluid nature of the playing system.
Each session should conclude with a cooldown and discussion (10 minutes):
- Conclude the session with a cooldown routine to lower the players’ heart rates and stretch their muscles.
- Engage in a group discussion, encouraging players to share their experiences and thoughts on how the session addressed the potential flaws.
- Provide additional guidance and clarification as needed.
Session plan 1 to address the flaw: Lack of Defensive Stability
Activity: Positional Awareness (20 minutes):
- Set up a small-sided game (5v5 or 6v6) on a reduced playing area.
- Place emphasis on the importance of maintaining defensive shape and positional awareness.
- Encourage players to communicate and adjust their positions based on the movement of the ball and opponents.
- Use positive reinforcement and rewards (e.g., verbal praise, points) for players who demonstrate effective defensive positioning and timely transitions.
Activity 2: Counter-Attacking Simulation (20 minutes):
- Divide the team into two groups: attackers and defenders.
- Start with a specific attacking scenario, such as a quick transition from defending a corner kick to initiating a counter-attack.
- The defenders must quickly organise themselves into a defensive shape and then transition to a swift counter-attack.
- Provide immediate feedback and rewards for effective defensive positioning, transition speed, and successful counter-attacks.
Open questions you could ask your players in this session:
- How do you think your positioning affected the defensive stability in that situation?
- What adjustments can we make as a team to improve our defensive transitions?
- Can you identify any instances where our defensive shape was compromised? How could we have prevented that?
Session plan 2 to address the flaw: Overcrowding in Midfield
Activity: Creating Space (20 minutes):
- Set up a small-sided game with extra players in the midfield area (e.g., 7v7 or 8v8).
- Encourage players to constantly move, make intelligent runs, and create space for themselves and their teammates.
- Use positive reinforcement to reward players who demonstrate effective movement and successful creation of space.
- Incorporate verbal cues and specific instructions to guide players in finding gaps and exploiting them.
Activity: Combination Play (20 minutes):
- Divide the team into groups of four players each.
- Set up grids or cones to represent different areas of the midfield.
- Instruct players to perform quick one-touch or two-touch combinations while maintaining fluid movement and positional rotation within their groups.
- Utilise positive reinforcement to reward successful combinations and effective use of space.
- Gradually increase the complexity of the combinations as players become more comfortable.
Open questions you could ask your players in this session:
- What challenges did you face when trying to find space in the midfield area?
- How can we create better passing angles and options in congested midfield situations?
- What alternative movement patterns could we use to stretch the opposition and create gaps?
Session plan 3 to address the flaw: Dependence on Individual Skill
Activity: Teamwork and Support (20 minutes):
- Set up small-sided games or practice scenarios that require players to rely on teamwork and support.
- Emphasize passing, movement off the ball, and creating opportunities collectively.
- Encourage players to communicate and provide verbal cues to each other.
- Provide positive reinforcement for cooperative play and effective support, highlighting instances where players make decisions based on the team’s benefit rather than individual prowess.
Activity: Skill Development for All (20 minutes):
- Allocate time to individual skill development drills that focus on different aspects of the game, such as passing, dribbling, shooting, and defensive techniques.
- Ensure that all players have opportunities to improve their skills within the system.
- Use a mixture of positive reinforcement and constructive feedback to support and motivate players in their skill development.
Open questions you could ask your players in this session:
- In what ways did we rely on individual skills rather than team play during that exercise?
- How can we encourage more collaborative decision-making and teamwork in our attacking moves?
- Can you suggest specific strategies or patterns of play that would reduce our reliance on individual brilliance?
The use of open questions allows players to express their thoughts, ideas, and insights openly, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and potential solutions within the hybrid fluid 3-4-3 playing system. By using these types of questions, coaches can facilitate meaningful discussions and engage players in active learning and problem-solving.
You can also use open questions to:
- Assess progress and development
- Encourage creative thinking
- Promote self-reflection
Once you start to use this method the learning becomes the power of “we” not the power of sharing “me”. If you want me to build the details session plans for any of these plans with details, size, structure, coaching points, movement, etc please let me know in the comments.