Warm-up: Attacking foundations

WHY USE IT

This three-part session works on build-up play, possession and breaking down opposing defenses. Players’ ability to connect passes, eliminate lines of defence and get in behind defenders should greatly increase. This opening rondo gives them lots of touches and serves as a technical and mental warm-up.

 

SET-UP

Set up a square of a size relative to the age and ability of your players. For our college team, we use a 12x12 yard or 10x10 yard space. Start with five attackers spread around the square and two defenders inside.

 

HOW TO PLAY

If the attackers can connect five passes, they score a point. If the defenders can win the ball and dribble out of the square, they earn a point. Play for 90-second rounds.

 

ADAPTATIONS & PROGRESSIONS

Depending on numbers you can play this as a 4v2 or 5v3. If you have two squares going at once, create two teams of red and blue. In one square, the Blues attack against the Reds; the other is Red attackers against Blue defenders. Combine the teams’ attacking and defending scores at the end of each round.

If your attackers are easily maintaining possession, you can insist on one or two-touch only restrictions. You may also make the space smaller. Award additional points for splitting the defenders with a one-touch pass.

 

COACHING POINTS

Scan or head up: Constantly check where your team-mates and opponents are.

Ball doesn’t stop: Don’t let the ball come to a complete stop, either with your touch or your pass.

Body shape: Keep your body side-on when you receive. It allows you to have the option of playing forward or back.

Play to back foot: This gives you the option of touching the ball forward into space or playing one-touch back to your team-mate.

Play to break a line: Can you position yourself to be level with the line that defenders are on? When you receive, your forward touch with your back foot can then break their line. If defenders are flat, split them.