Written by Dave Clarke
Combine to Split Defences
In this game strikers are being set up by good combination play where midfield attackers are coming short to go long which stretches opponents and creates space to pass
Coaching Objectives
Develop players’ ability to keep possession with purpose, recognise when to penetrate, and connect midfield possession with attacking players. The practice encourages scanning, movement, combination play, patience, and accurate forward passing. Once the ball reaches the attackers, players must make quick decisions within two touches and finish against the goalkeeper.
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 12 Players
- 2 Goals
- 5 Bibs
- 40 x 30 y
Technique Tips
- Scan before receiving: Know where the two attackers are before the opportunity appears.
- Play with purpose: Six passes are a trigger, not the objective of the entire exercise.
- Create angles: Players should constantly adjust their positions to provide forward and sideways options.
- Receive on the half-turn: This allows midfielders to see the attacking zone earlier.
- Pass through the correct channel: Look for the striker who has the clearest route to goal.
- Weight the final pass: Too hard and the attacker struggles; too soft and the opportunity disappears.
- First touch matters: Attackers should take their first touch into a position that makes the second action possible.
- Finish quickly: Two touches means players must prepare before receiving.
What the Players Do
Divide the pitch into three zones: a central zone and one attacking zone at each end. Each team has three players in the central zone. Each team also has two attackers positioned in…Combinations in Attack
In the attacking third combination play is key to breaking down defences especially when faced with a low block. Clever combination play will catch defenders out making it difficult to predict where the danger is coming from
Coaching Objectives
The important things to look out for in this warm up is weight and accuracy of the passing. When players move to set up a decoy to fool the defenders they must do it with positive movement to make the decoy look realistic. Players must be aware of passing routes and not block each. Speed of play is important so the move is not too slow and break down.
- Basic: Focus on simple passes and movement without time pressure.
- Intermediate: Limit touches to two per player to increase speed.
- Advanced: Add a passive defender inside the grid to apply light pressure.
Drill Setup
- 15 Mins
- 4 Players
- 25 x 10 y
Technique Tips
- Quick Passing: Emphasize the importance of quick, accurate passes to keep the play fluid.
- Movement: Encourage constant movement off the ball to create space and passing options.
- Communication: Players should communicate effectively to coordinate passes and movement.
- Positioning: Ensure proper spacing to avoid crowding and allow for smooth passing sequences.
What the Players Do
In this passing combination the four players start with two at one end and two in the middle of the area. Player A starts with a pass to player B and on that pass player C is the decoy moving as if to…Combination Play
In this practice players will work on their movement to receive in order to play forward & combine
Coaching Objectives
Creative movement to create space.
Develop ability to receive to play forward.
Quick play in and around the final third.
Drill Setup
- 25 Mins
- 16 Players
- 2 Goals
- 8 Bibs
- 60 x 40 y
What the Players Do
Area set up 60x40, divided into 3 zones with central zone split into two. x2 teams of 8. 3v2 in each end zone with x2 attacker midfield players in middle ‘safe’ zone. …Continue Reading For Free
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