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LOGINThe forward runner
If your forwards can run “off the ball”, your team is almost certain to benefit. This week’s session is designed to encourage forward runs off the ball. These runs may be in a straight line or use an under or overlapping loop to reach good attacking positions.
What this session is about
- Forward runs.
- Under and overlap running.
- Creating and scoring goals.
What to think about
Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Jack Wilshere, of the English Premier League, are reknown for their ability to score and create goals from midfield. These players are high in energy and, after making a pass, they make a forward run to support the receiving player or to get in a goalscoring position. When passing to a team mate and running beyond the ball, players are creating a situation where (1) the opponent is attracted to the ball and leaves the player free to receive a return pass or (2) the opponent stays with the player and this now leaves the receiving player in space or with an easier task making of ground. In both instances, a forward run improves the movement in the team’s attack and causes disruption in the opponent’s defence.
Set-up
| Warm up | Session | Development | Game Situation | Warm Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 5 minutes |
What you get your players to do
Using one half of the pitch, set up three attacks (one from the centre, right and left of the pitch).F1 passes to F2 and makes a forward run. Meanwhile F2 combines with F3 to set up a chance for F1 to shoot at goal.
Immediately, the left midfielder (L1) passes to the wide player (L2) and under/overlaps to cross the ball to F2 to try and score. Now, the right midfielder (R1) passes to the wide player (R2) and under/ overlaps to cross the ball to F3 to try and score.
Rotate roles so everyone plays in all positions.
Players learn how to make forward runs in an exercise that creates three different attacks in a continuous motion.
Development
Using one half of the pitch, mark out a channel at each side, as shown in the middle picture. Use one goalkeeper, four defenders, two groups of three attackers and two wide players.To start, the first three attackers dribble a ball onto the pitch to attack with the two wide players, creating a 5v4.
One player must always be in the outside channels. So when passing to a wide player, one of the attackers may need to make an under/overlapping run to the outside so the player in possession can dribble into the main area. This ensures attackers are always using width in their build up to score.
However, a passing player does not have to go outside. A straight forward run often beats defenders and creates shooting chances.
If the defenders win the ball, they pass to the next group of attackers in order to score a “goal”.
Use the offside rule so players do not take bad habits in to a match.
Related Files
Advanced-245-the-forward-runner.pdfPDF, 284 KB
Three attackers use two wide players to try and beat four defenders with forward, under and overlapping runs.
Game situation
Mark out an area for a small-sided game with a goal at each end. Each team lines up with a goalkeeper, three defenders, two midfielders and one forward.Two neutral players (N) are used in wide areas of the pitch and play for the team in possession.
This rule ensures that the team in possession has a two-player overload when attacking.
The team can now build up in wide areas and create 2v1 opportunities. Teams must incorporate forward, overlapping and under lapping runs when scoring goals. Use the offside rule and the team that scores most goals wins.
Two neutral players, who try to stay wide, help create attacks with the team in possession.
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