In this session filmed exclusively for CV Academy, Burnley Under-18 manager Tony Philliskirk and his assistant Matt Walsh take their players through a ‘receive, retain, release’ session that focuses on keeping possession and progressing the ball to attack effectively and efficiently.

The session begins with a warm-up led by academy strength and conditioning coach Charlotte Price. Next, Philliskirk and Walsh take the players through three practices designed to train their ability to receive and retain possession while under pressure, then release to a teammate at the appropriate moment. The practices include a possession transfer game, directional four-goal game, and a conditioned game.

The final practice sees players split into three units of defenders, midfielders and attackers, for work on their individual learning plans. We focus on Walsh’s work with the midfield unit.

Overall, the session has an intensity that is expertly driven by Philliskirk and Walsh, providing a suitable level of challenge for their players. While the topic is ostensibly about play in possession, there is also plentiful out-of-possession coaching to encourage match-realistic competitiveness and train defensive capability. We hope that you enjoy this session from Burnley’s Category One academy.

Please also click below to access the accompanying session plan in PDF form.