Practice 2: Sharpen the attack

WHY USE IT

Work on striking the ball with a one-touch finish.

SET UP

Use an area with two goals and goalkeepers, divided in half by a small channel. Split players into two groups, so two practices can run simultaneously. Players work in pairs – one pair are situated just off the pitch, either side of the goal; another are situated at the back of the central channel; and the final pair are stood off the pitch, awaiting their turn.

HOW TO PLAY

One of the players in the central area moves forward to receive a pass from the player positioned by the goal, diagonally across from them. On receiving the ball, they lay it off, ideally first-time, for their partner to shoot. Pairs receive three points for scoring with a one touch finish, and one for scoring with two touches. After each go, the pair waiting off the pitch come on and become the attackers. The original attackers move off the pitch and become the servers next to the goal, while the original servers now wait by the side of the pitch. Servers can also become defenders after they have played the ball.

COACHING POINTS

• Angle and distance between the two attackers.
• Weight of pass by attacker to allow partner to move onto it and strike first time.
• Height, angle and type of finish. Use disguise if possible.