In this session filmed exclusively for CV Academy, Brighton Under-21 head coach Shannon Ruth takes his players through a series of practices that focus on breaking down a low block.

The session begins with a three-goal game in which attacking groups of three look to create space and opportunity to play through defending pairs. It progresses into a positional attack-versus-defence game, in which an attacking team looks to use a box midfield and wing-backs to penetrate compact opposition. The final practice is another attack-versus-defence, with five vertical lanes across the pitch used as reference points for both the attacking and defending teams.

It’s a superb session that gives an excellent insight into both the in-possession principles and specialist coaching model used at Brighton. Ruth focuses on the in-possession coaching across the three practices, while Gary Dicker coaches the players’ out-of-possession actions throughout. We hope you enjoy it!

Please also click on the Resources tab to access the accompanying session plan in PDF form.