Session: AO.102 ![]()
Exercise Objectives
- Developing finishing technique.
- Develop rebound finishing.
- Develop combination play and creating opportunity to score.
Organisation

Diagram 1. Set-Up Arrangement
Set-Up
- Coned Area 40x25(30) yrds with 2 full size goals as shown in Diagram 1.
- Red Team vs. Blue Team (6vs6+2GK)
- Each team has 4 defenders (that play in the defending half) and 2 forwards (that play in the offensive half).
- No players can enter the central section until a specific combination (as directed by the coach) is performed.
Instructions
- 2 teams compete and attempt to score in either goal.
- Play begins from a GK and the four defending players attempt to keep possession in their zone until there is the opportunity to dribble forward into the central area (this rule is modified as we progress).
- When a player has dribbled into the central area as with Blue 1 in the diagram above, they soot on goal.
- The two forwards for the team that is shooting and four defenders on the opposition can flick he ball on or block, etc.
- After 5-7 mins vary the requirement before a shoot as shown below in the progressions.
- Dribble into the central section.
- Through Ball (Pass) into the central section.
- 1-2/Overlap into the central section.
- Checking forward for a dump pass (lay-off) to enter the central section.
- Checking forward for a dump pass (lay-off) to enter the central section (Opposed). Ad defender can enter with the checking forward and defend.

Diagram 2. Pass (Through Ball) Into the Section

Diagram 3. 1/2 Overlap Into the central section

Diagram 4. Checking forward for a lay-off (Un-opposed)

Diagram 5. Checking forward for lay-off (opposed)
Scoring
- 1 goal = Scoring on the full size goal normal.
Coaching Points
- Shot selection and technique from distance.
- Active warm up stretches to prepare muscles for activity.
- Balance between safety in possession and attempting combinations/through passes.
- Patience in possession.
- On the checking of forwards - Timing to loose marker and check into the central zone. Do not be stood waiting inside the central zone.
- Can the two forwards combine to score.
- Forwards should press the defenders hard when they are in possession to force mistakes and get shots off. Develop 2 man pressing techniques and collaboration as in a 4-4-2 for example.
Progressions
- Allow a defender to enter the central zone to apply press.
- Two touch maximum passing in the defending half.
- Allow the forward players to deflect the ball on the shots from the central area.
- Allow the players breaking into the central area to pass into the forwards and step up and combine with them to create a 4vs3 scenario.
- Remove the lines and play 6vs6 (may need to increase the field size dependent on ability).
Variations
- Teams can play 4vs4 in a simpler version of this game. 3 Defenders and 1 forward.
