• Drill No:               AFD3
• Age:                    15-Adult                             
• No Players:        13
• Difficulty:            Medium/Hard
• Area/Time:         2/3 Field  (25mins)

Mark out 1/2 of a full size pitch. Mark out a no play zone where the players do not play to allow play to be compacted to one side of the field. This allows us to work with one half of the field only. Starting position indicated by the yellow cone (SP1).

• 6 attackers (Yellow) 1-3-2 formation
• 5 defenders (Red) 3-2-0 formation
• 1 goalkeeper  (Green)
• 1 target player (Grey)

In the example above the yellow attacking team combines with each other to find an opportunity to dribble (drive) into space. Switch the roles of attacking and defending after 10 minutes. The restart positions can be varied, SP1 is the primary starting position.  The coach works with the attacking team to identify the key moments when there is an opportunity to dribble into space. The target player T1 can be used to keep possession for the attacking team.

Diagram 1

 1.    A1 passes to A2.

2.     a) A2 assesses the field and has space to drive inside, opening up space on the wing area.           b) A2 recognizes space down the line and attempts to beat the defender 1vs1 outside.

Diagram 2

 3.    A2 plays a square pass into CM (A4) who makes an attacking run and finds space to        dribble.

4.    A4 dribbles into space and attempts to commit defenders look for 1-2’s or shoot, etc. note       A6’s run away from the ball to create further space for A4.

Diagram 3

 5.    A6, the close forward checks into the seam area.

6.    A2 passes into A6 to turn and drive into space.

2 teams compete and attempt to score.  The attacking team scores by scoring on the goal.  The defending team scores by clearing the ball out to player T1 for a point.

Refer to the diagrams 2 and 3 for other scenarios to coach in this functional drill.

1. Discuss dribbling technique, using the top of the boot (laces), with relaxed ankle and keeping the head up as much as possible to assess the space on the field.
2. Discuss receiving technique and receiving on the turn into space. Positive first large first touches into space to run onto.
3. Discuss attitude to dribble and be positive in running forward when there is space.
4. Attacking players need to move, check to create space to receive in a position to dribble.
5. Discuss committing defenders and releasing other players to dribble.
6. Discuss the runs of secondary players to open space and isolate the dribbler.
7. If a player cannot dribble forward are they able to pass to another teammate who can.

1. Perform on both side of the field (switch sides).
2. Remove the ‘No Play Zone’ and add another winger on the left side, an additional outside defender.

1. Perform on both side of the field (switch sides).
2. Alter the starting position, possibly a turn-over or mishit pass into the attacking team from a opposition player.