Split defence and finish

Why use it

A lively session which helps your attackers to use well-timed runs to burst into the penalty area and split defences, leaving them 1v1 with the goalkeeper.

Set up

Use a penalty area and mark a 1v1 zone on the wings either side of it. You will need bibs, balls, cones, and a goal. We used 12 players, including one goalkeeper.

How to play

Split your players into four attackers and a creative midfielder against four defenders, with a goalkeeper and two servers. The servers need a few balls each. The attacking play must come from the 1v1 box, but play starts with the goalkeeper passing long to the attacking midfielder, who passes wide to either winger. The winger must go into the box and cross for the attackers. The defender tries to stop the winger.

Only one defender and one attacker are allowed in the 1v1 zones. If the ball goes dead, or the defender clears, the servers take turns to play another ball across goal for the attackers. After they have done so, play goes back to the start with the goalkeeper’s pass.

Coaching points

• Quick, decisive, well-timed movement and deception from the strikers allows them to burst through the defence.

• Delivery from wide players should be behind the defenders, with pace.