Organisation

Diagram 1. Set-Up Arrangement

Set-Up

• 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)

Start Position(s)

• 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.
• Other coaching scenarios include are show below.
• Diagram 2: A2 plays a square pass into CM (A4) who makes an attacking run and finds space to dribble. 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: A6, the close forward checks into the seam area. A2 passes into A6 to turn and drive into space.

Diagram 2. Exploiting Space Centrally

Diagram 3. Near Side Forward Checking to Receive and Turn

Scoring

• 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.

Variations

• Progress on to perform the drill 1 touch when the players are confident. Also the cones can be moved back to increase difficulty. The option to introduce aerial driven passes on the long pass is also an option.