Practice: Breaking the lines

WHY USE IT

This three-part session focuses on playing through the thirds, breaking lines and creating overloads in attacking scenarios.

SET UP

Work in the same area with the same set up as the warm-up, but add two gates at either end of the area and four gates in the middle.

HOW TO PLAY

As a progression of the warm-up, play is now opposed. The first player at each end passes between the lines as before, but now becomes a defender, playing 1v1 against the opposite receiver. The attacker (receiver) tries to move the ball through either of the end gates. If the defender wins the ball, they can counter-attack and dribble through one of the middle gates.

Progression: Add a defender and attacker for 2v2s, or make it easier by adding an attacker but not a defender, for 2v1s.

COACHING POINTS

• In 2v1 situations, players off the ball need to take up positions and use movements to unbalance the defender. This creates space for their team-mate to exploit by passing, running with the ball and dribbling
• Speed and positivity when dribbling
• Positive passing, receive on back foot
• Check your shoulders for defender’s positioning