Warm-up: Through the thirds

WHY USE IT

This session helps to build up players’ awareness and ability to play through an overloaded midfield.

SET UP

Divide the area into quarters. Split players equally to the four corners – they then stay within that square. Two groups work together on different passing patterns, before swapping over.

HOW TO PLAY

Pattern 1: Corner player starts with a pass to the further forward player within their square, who sets back to the supporting player, who makes a long pass to the opposite corner. The pattern repeats from that end.

Pattern 2: As in pattern 1, but this time the original passer moves to receive a pass back and they play the long pass to the opposite end.

Progression: Once players have successfully executed the first two patterns, play can be progressed to incorporate three groups.

COACHING POINTS

• Players should concentrate on their movement and body shape to receive the pass
• Verbal and non-verbal communication, and technical details around which of the receiver’s feet to pass to, to enable them to efficiently make their next move.