Skill practice: Play into the number 9

WHY USE IT

This session will assist teams that find it difficult to play into the number 9, working on the hold-up play, combining with the number 9 and the number 9’s finishing techniques.

SET UP

Can be delivered in the middle of the pitch with two goals.

HOW TO PLAY

Following on from the previous practice, players are now faced with a 3v2 situation. Play starts from the goalkeeper, who passes into any defender. That defender then tries to play a forward pass into the number 9, who drops off the defenders and turns to play into the oncoming midfielder.

COACHING POINTS

• Encourage positive positioning for the number 9 and positive passes from the server and midfielders.
• A progression could be the wingers both joining the attack once the ball is played out to either one of them, to create an overload, thereby making more chances for the number 9 to score.