Practice 1: Play out from defence

WHY USE IT

This practice works on players’ ability to build play from the defensive third.

SET UP

Set up an area relative to the age and ability of your players. Divide it into quarters with two mini goals at one end. Divide players into three teams of four.

HOW TO PLAY

The in-possession team must have a player occupying each quarter, while the out-of-possession team can move freely. The in-possession team can use the neutrals. To begin, the neutral player nearest the mini-goals (playing as a centre-forward) is the only player who can score. The deepest neutral player (playing as a centre-back) always restarts play.

Progressions:

1. Neutral centre-forward must set the ball back to one of the in-possession team to score.
2. Anyone can score, but if the ball is received by the neutral centre-forward, a defender can leave the area to defend the goals.

COACHING POINTS

• Body shape to receive: scanning and receiving on the ‘half-turn’ - try to play forward
• Movement to receive: sharp to exploit space, attract defenders to enable switch of play, open passing lanes to team-mates
• Weight/type of pass: send a message, i.e. passing to back foot or front foot. Vary pass length and speed to create gaps in defence.