Practice 2: Back to the start

WHY USE IT

Now the practice becomes opposed, creating a more challenging and realistic environment.

SET UP

A pitch with a goal and goalkeeper at one end and a target player situated within an appropriately sized area at the opposite end. Split players into two teams - the team that is playing to the target player should have a one-player overload. Teams should set-up in suitable formations.

HOW TO PLAY

The practice always starts with the target player who plays a pass directly into the goalkeeper. At this stage the team playing towards the target player should be set-up defensively i.e. compact. On receiving the ball from the target player, the goalkeeper plays out to a team-mate and the team looks to get the ball to the target player. If the opposition wins the ball at any time they look to score in the goal.

COACHING POINTS

Once the goalkeeper has secured possession, full-backs go high and central midfielders should look to work together to allow them to receive the pass from the goalkeeper; one come short and one go long. Midfielders should then look to play forward to the full-backs who are making forward runs.