Organisation

Diagram 1. Set-Up Arrangement

Set-Up

• Mark out 2/3 of a full size pitch. 2x 5 yrd gates are placed behind the half way line, preferably using training poles or flags.
• Keep a collection of balls at the half way line for re-starts.
• 6 attackers (Yellow)
• 6 defenders (Orange)
• 1 goalkeeper (Green)

Instructions

• In the example above the yellow attacking team combines with each other using the flank player to create opportunities on goal. Switch the roles of attacking and defending after 10 minutes. The restart positions can be varied as shown in the progression. The coach works with the attacking team to identify the key points of attacking down the flanks and opportunities to drive infield and create space. In the above example:
• The center midfielder (A1) gathers a ball unopposed and passes to flank (wing) player (A2).
• A2 looks up and sees a space in the centre of the field behind the forwards. He drives into this space with the ball. A1 also identifies the opportunity to overlap into the space that A2 creates when he drags his marker infield with the infield run.
• The 2 forwards recognize this opportunity to create space and make diagonal runs to open this space up further.
• A4 is also looking for through balls behind the defensive line.

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 through the yellow pole gate.
• The defending team has only 5 touches to play the ball through a gate.

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.