Football: Finding space - Team exercise

Get them talking with this assertive and alert session - working on spatial awareness, movement off the ball and communication!

4 attacking players keep switching the ball (each transfer has to go via both link players).

Only one defender is only allowed to go out and defend when the attackers have received the ball.

If the attacking team switch the ball the defender has to pass the ball to the other defender who has to stop the ball before then being allowed to defend against the wing player.

The aim is for one of the wingers to dribble the ball through the grid on the side line and then cross the ball to the opposite winger coming in.

The player stood on the half-way line passes to the player up field and then runs in to create an overlapping run.

The player on the ball can choose to:

1. Take on their defender.
2. Pass to the supporting striker.
3. Pass to the overlapping player.

The attackers should play out the drill and try to score.

Set out 5 x 15 yard channels in each corner of the area as shown in the diagram. Station one player in each channel. Play 2 v 2 in central area.

The goalkeeper serves the ball to one of his two teammates in the central area. The goal is to get the ball to either of your teams players stationed in a channel. This player delivers a crossed ball into the attacking area. The two attacking players stagger their runs into the near post, mid-goal and far post areas. Finish with a shot or header on goal.
Progression: When the wide player gets the ball in the channel the opposing wide player on his side of the field may run into his area to challenge the cross.

Set up as shown.

Player 1 starts with the ball in the middle of the field and plays a 1-2 pass with player 2 before passing out wide to player 3.

At this point, players 1 and 2 run towards the penalty area, ready to receive a cross, while one of the defenders goes out wide to put pressure on the crosser.

Player 3 will cross the ball into the box where players 1 and 2 will try to beat the defender to it and score.