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LOGINCombat 2v2
Players are challenged to attack quickly, and be compact when defending, in this activity.
WHY USE IT
Works on aspects of the game in an opposed setting, including passing, receiving, moving with the ball, finishing, communication, awareness, 1v1 defending, being compact, and covering and recovering.
SET UP
Set up a 10x30-yard area, with a mini goal placed centrally at each end. Split it into three equal zones to denote offside lines. You will need balls, cones, bibs and mini goals. Split players into two groups of eight; this can be adjusted as needed.
HOW TO PLAY
Teams play 2v2 and look to score as quickly as they can. If a team scores, they stay on the pitch, keeping possession of the ball. The conceding team swaps out. If, after two minutes, neither team has scored, both teams swap out.
COACHING POINTS
See after activity for an in-depth look at practice outcomes, potential challenges and the questions to ask to support learning.
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PRACTICE OUTCOMES
This session allows players to work on the following aspects of the game, in an opposed setting:
Attacking
Passing
- Making sure the pass is firm and accurate.
- Executing the correct weight and pace of the pass.
- Timing and angle of the pass.
- Disguising intentions.
Receiving
- Taking an appropriate first touch.
Moving with the ball
- When to run with the ball and when to dribble.
Finishing
- Accuracy before power.
Communication
- Making and maintaining eye contact.
Awareness
- Decision-making and keeping their head up.
Defending
1v1
- Blocking shots.
Being compact
- Compactness and pressure.
Covering and recovering
- Cover, balance and recovery.
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES
These challenges can help players develop their learning during the session. They can be presented to the group, or to individuals. These challenges are not exhaustive; they are suggestions.
Attacking
- Look for opportunities to dribble or shoot.
- Look for opportunities to dribble or pass.
- Look for opportunities to pass or shoot.
- Try to split your opponents with one pass.
- Be on the lookout for one-touch shooting opportunities.
- Look out for chances to shoot side-foot into the goal.
Defending
- Don’t get split with one pass.
- Work out when to cover your team-mate or mark your opponent.
- Block shots and defend the goal.
- Stop forward passes in behind you.
- Work together to drive your opponents away from your goal.
QUESTIONS THAT SUPPORT CHALLENGES
These can be attached to challenges to further support player learning:
- What did you notice when…?
- How does this help you?
- What stops you…?
- How will you know when to…?
- What were you thinking when you tried that?
- What if you could do…?
- How can you see what to do next?
John Allpress
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