Practice: Combination play

WHY USE IT

This practice allows players to develop attacking runs off the ball and their combination play in a 3v2 situation.

SET UP

Set up a full-size goal at one end, with two mini goals level with the edge of the centre circle. One attacking player starts just inside the centre circle, another starts by each mini goal, and one final attacker faces them on the edge of the ‘D’. Two defenders start just inside the penalty box. The coach has a ball.

HOW TO PLAY

The coach plays the ball to one of the wide players by a mini goal. This player then passes to the central midfielder, just inside the centre circle, who switches play to the other wide player. This player then feeds the forward. On their first touch, the two wide players become active and join the attack, playing 3v2 against the defenders. If the defenders win the ball, they can score in either of the mini goals.

COACHING POINTS

• Players can work on moving the ball quickly, taking a positive first touch and reacting to the forward’s touch with off-the-ball runs.
• Challenge players to play quickly in and around the box, taking advantage of their numerical superiority over the defenders, using the space and being creative.