1. Coach developing attacks in central areas.

• Drill No:               FD4
• Age:                    13-Adult soccer fitness drills aerobic
• No Players:        17+
• Difficulty:            Advanced
• Area/Time:         60x50 yrds (2/3 Pitch)  (25 mins)

Mark out an area of full pitch width and approximately 60yrds long (i.e. 10-15 yrds over the half way line).  Place 2 gate goals on the 60yrd line.  Play 9vs7 + GK.  One of the nine attacking players has to hold and be the server (i.e. cannot go forward much).  The phase can also be done with the back 3 A1, A2, A3 all holding and just supporting, not going forward to attack.  7 defenders attempt to play the ball out through one of the target gates.   The defenders win the ball they have 5 passes to play the ball through a gate goal to score.  Attacking team plays a 3-4-2 and the defending team plays a 3-2-2 with a GK.  This allows for good spacing to develop the session. 

The start position is A2 distributing the ball to any of the attacking outfield players.  From there the attacking players combine to create scoring opportunities.  In the diagram A5 checks and then combines with A6 to create a 1-2 situation to go forward. 

1. A2 passes into A5.
2. A5 combines with A6 in a 1-2 to break down the defense.
3. A6 plays the ball forward to A8 who has checked to create space.

2 teams compete and attempt to score.  The attacking team scores by scoring on the goal.  The defending team scoreing in the gate goals.

1. Combinations in the middle of the field should be fast.
2. Commit defenders forward, not only out wide, but the centre backs can step forward also.
3. Positive first touches into forward space.
4. Encourage creativity and unpredictable play.
5. Runs by the forwards to create space to perform combinations or drive through central areas.
6. Discuss playing the ball wide to spread out the defending team.  Don’t force down the middle if the wings are open.
7. Encourage flick-ons/1-2’s/takeovers.
8. Look also for long balls for taller strikers to flick on in the air to a strike partner or midfielder stepping forward.
9. Look to play balls into the seam area (refer to diagram 2).  Between the defending teams defensive and midfield lines.  Especially to a checking forward or high positioned attacking midfielder.
10. Wing players and wide midfielders should make diagonal runs inside from wide to receive through balls and flicks.
11. Central midfielders should be looking to drive through and play 1-2’s with the forwards.
12. Play into the forwards feet so they can lay passes back for outside mids and centre mids to run onto and strike from distance.
13. Fake passes and changes of pace by the forwards.
14. Look also for through balls to forwards making good diagonal central runs (i.e. out to in runs).

1. Allow all the attacking players to go forward (i.e. no holding/supporting players)
2. Add another defender to create a back 4, and one more mid to create a 3 man midfield.

1. None.