Session: AO.014 ![]()
Exercise Objectives
- Coach a team in how to develop attacking combinations in the attacking phase.
Organisation

Diagram 1. Set-Up Arrangement
Set-Up
- Mark out 2/3 of a full size pitch. Mark out an area where a target player can move up and down the width of the field. Starting point approx. where indicated above.
- 8 attackers (Yellow) 3-3-2 formation
- 6 defenders (Red) 3-2-1 formation
- 1 goalkeeper (Green)
- 1 target player (Grey)

Diagram 3. Combination Play between a Checking Forward and Midfielders.

Diagram 4. Combination Play between 2 strikers.

Diagram 5. Combination Play to Switch Play.
Start Position(s)
- Mishit pass into A1 from a defender. A1 then passes into A2.
- a) Pass into the midfielder’s feet (A3). b) Pass into the forwards feet (A4). c) Pass into the wingers feet (A5).
- From this point the attacking team uses a series of possible combinations detailed in the diagrams below.
- T1 can be used for support for the attacking team from behind the 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 to player T1. The defending team has only 7 touches to play the ball to A1. The touch restriction can be removed if necessary.
Coaching Points
- On A2 receiving the ball, the players in front (Midfielders and Forwards) should be making runs to create space to receive, open space to dribble, or create space for another teammate.
- Support runs from players deeper (full backs, etc)
- Checking runs should be made across defenders. Check away first from where you want to receive the ball.
- Discuss the range of passing options available. Into the feet of checking front players, through balls to front players, 1-2 combinations with flank players or front players.
- Eye contact and communication on passing so the timing of runs is correct and recognizing the moment to pass.
- Use the attributes of the players to assess for potential combinations (i.e. aerial flicks, 1-2s, etc) High balls into tall strikers, low to fast quicker players.
- Discuss combinations with wing players and potential overlaps.
- Discuss combinations with midfielders breaking free in central areas.
- Discuss combinations with the forwards.
- Opportunities to switch play using combinations.
- Patience to wait for good combination opportunities to pass into advanced positions.
Progressions
- Alter the starting position to the other side of the field.
- Alter the starting position to have yellow CB (A1) playing the ball forward.
Variations
- Add additional defenders to increase the difficulty of the exercise.
- Alter the starting position and have the wing player start with the ball at their feet.
- Add 2 or 3 gates goals and remove the target player. Defenders now score by passing or dribbling through the gate goals.









