A changing picture

WHY USE IT

In a match, the elements are constantly changing. You can be attacking on your own one second, then have team-mates in support the next. Therefore, it is a good tip to use practices that help your players prepare for this.

SET UP

Create an area suitable for your players, with two small goals at one end and just one at the other. Split the area in half, with three attackers starting in one half and two defenders in the other. A third defender starts off the pitch, at the attackers’ end, with a ball.

HOW TO PLAY

The defender off the pitch plays the ball into an attacker. The three attackers then look to score in one of the two small goals. As soon as the ball is played into the area, the two defenders become unlocked – once the attackers make one pass, the third defender can enter the pitch. If the defenders win the ball they look to score into the single small goal.

COACHING POINTS

• Encourage players to be positive and decisive in their play, including their decision-making. 
• Can they score before the recovering defender has the opportunity to get in a position to help their team-mates?