Game: Through the thirds

WHY USE IT

This is a realistic exercise that can paint effective pictures of attacking play in a condensed manner.

SET UP

Play 11v11 using just over half of a field, with two full-size goals. The ball starts with one goalkeeper.

HOW TO PLAY

The opposing front three (or however many forwards are in your desired formation) are not involved for the first three passes - they act as shadow defenders to enable the team in possession to begin playing out from the back.

Use that to build play forward while encouraging players to “release” and take risks.

COACHING POINTS

This practice gives coaches the opportunity to coach all tactical aspects of your positional play while developing the ability to have success playing through the field. Matchplay adds realism so you can play to a finish and then progress to free play as and when.