Practice 3: Playing out from the back

WHY USE IT

This final practice moves players a lot closer to a typical matchday environment.

SET UP

Use just over half a pitch, provided there are enough players. Split players into two teams, with two additional target players who are positioned just past the halfway line.

HOW TO PLAY

Play always begins with the goalkeeper, who passes to an outfield team-mate. The team then looks to play the ball into one of the target players. If successful, they win two points and the target players enter the pitch to support the opposition in attacking the goal. If the opposition score with the help of the target players they win one point, if they prevent the ball getting to the target players and score, they win two points.

Coaching points

As with the previous practice, players need to be aware of the position of both team-mates and opponents. They should try and take a first touch that allows them to move into space and away from danger. Afterwards, the main focus should be to play forward - their first touch should support them in doing this.