CONTENTS Passing in pairs

Passing in groups of four Passing in groups of six

6 v 5 plus 2 v 3 Forming triangles

Wing Attack 1 Passing in groups of eight

6 v 5 plus 2 v 2 on three goals 2 v 1 on goal lines

2 striker’s v 1 defender 4+3 v 3+4 plus goalkeepers

6 v 4 on one goal with counter line Warm Up Exercises

2 v. 1 3 v. 2 - Ball in the middle, Defenders staggered, Defenders side by side

Warm Up Passing in threes 2 v. 1 plus 1 v. 1

Warm Up Passing in pairs 2 plus 1 v. 3

6 v. 6 plus 2 v. 2 4 v. 2 on goal lines 2 plus 3 v. 3 plus 2

Copyright© AC Ramskill 2007 All Rights reserved no part of this publication maybe reproduced, transmitted or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical photocopying recording or otherwise without written permission from the publisher or licence from the Copyright Licensing Agency Limited.

Attacking Play

Passing in pairs

Setup & Sequence

Players do the following series of exercises on small goals inside a field (adjust field

size to number of players). Exercise 1: Player A dribbles through a goal and passes to B. B receives and controls

the ball and dribbles through a goal, etc.

Exercise 2: Player A dribbles to goal stops the ball on the goal line and dribbles around the goal before passing to B.

Exercise 3: While playing combinations, partners try to play as many passes as possible through the goals. They are not allowed to run through the goals or pass

through the same one twice in a row.

Exercise 4: Partners face each other across a goal line, both holding the ball, and try to pull each other across the line.

Attacking Play

Passing in groups of four

Setup

� Position four players and a ball as shown.

Sequence

� Player A passes into B’s running path (1).

� B takes the ball forward, breaks off the run, passes back to A (2) and returns to his original position.

� A plays a flighted ball into C’s running path (3). � C takes the ball forward, breaks off the run, passes back to D (4) and returns to

his original position. � D plays a flighted ball into B’s running path (5).

Attacking Play

Setup

� Setup up a standards goal with goalkeeper on the end line, and three smaller

goals 60 yards away (two 15-yards dribbling goals on the wings and one five-yard passing goal in the middle).

� Divide players into two teams (six red and five white, plus goalkeeper).

Sequence

� Teams play 6 v 5. Red defends the standard goal together with the goalkeeper, and white defends the others.

� Red tries either to dribble through the two wing gaols or to pass through the middle goal.

� When red wins the ball, they have to pass it back to the goalkeeper first. This gives white a chance to get organized.

Variation

� Teams play 6 v 6.

Attacking Play

A B C

General Notes

� Due to the extra player and the width of the lines that white has to defend (35 yards altogether), safe attack-building is more important than taking risks. Maintain possession and build the attack until a good opportunity to break through presents itself.

� However, all players – especially the ones in red’s back four – should try to move forward with every pass and not just move the ball around in their own half.

� At right, we explain the advantages in each situation and the options for building an attack against an organized opponent.

A) Triangle in the middle – If the defender has the ball, the attacker shows for a

diagonal forward pass and is able to watch both the ball and opponents. The left midfielder moves in, providing backup as well as a potential passing option.

B) If the defender passes to the right back . . . then there are two options for advancing farther up the wing: * high- speed dribbling up the line (1) * A pass into the middle (2).

C) If the right back is in trouble . . . he can pass back to the centre back or goalkeeper who stays open. At the same time, the left back moves up the sideline so the centre back or goalkeeper can shift the point of attack with a diagonal flighted ball.

Attacking Play

Setup & Sequence

Groups of three do the following series of exercises inside a field:

Exercise 1: Player A dribbles while B & C jog, all watching each other. Suddenly A passes to B (1), who receives and controls the ball before passing to C (2). C dribbles

and then passes to A (3), who passes to B (4), etc. Exercise 2: Player A passes to B, who passes off directly to C. C dribbles toward A

and plays a wall pass; both players trade positions. Now C passes to A, who passes off directly to B. B dribbles towards C and plays a wall pass etc.

Exercise 3: Player A passes to B’s feet. B plays a flighted ball directly to C. C heads it to A, who passes to B, and B begins the next round.

Attacking Play

Passing in groups of six

Setup

Place three cones in a triangle ( 40 yards from A to B; 15 yards from A to C). Position

two players at each cone.

Sequence

� Player A plays a flighted ball to B (1), who shows for the pass beside the cone.

� B takes the ball to the side, dribbles around the cone and passes to C (2).

� C drops the ball back (3) and runs around the outside of the cone. � B passes into C’s running path (4), and C passes off to the next player

at A (5). � After playing, each player moves to the next position.

Attacking Play

6 v 5 plus 2 v 3

Setup

� Setup two standard goals with goalkeepers on the end lines of a 70-yard-long field, plus two small goals (15 yards wide) on the wings, 60

yards from Goal1. � Divide players into two teams (six red and five white, plus

goalkeepers). � Position two more red attackers and three more white defenders in

front of goal 2.

Sequence

� Teams play 6 v 5 inside the 60 yard field; red defends the standard goal, and white defends the small goals while also trying to prevent a

forward pass to 9 or 10. � Red tries either to dribble through the small goals and cross in front of

goal 2, or to pass up the middle to 9 and 10 (who are not allowed to move onto the wings).

� When red wins the ball, they have to pass it back to the goalkeeper first. This gives white a chance to get organized.

Attacking Play

A B C

A) Forming triangles – The position of the players in the middle (6, 8, 9, 10 and ball carrier 4) create an ideal situation for a variety of forward combinations. In this classic triangle situation, one option is the following combination: 6 gets away from his opponent and moves to meet 4, 8 anticipate 4’s pass to 6 and shows at a slight angle. 8 takes 6’s pass toward the goal. 9 gets away from his opponent and receives a pass from 8. At the same time, 10 shows for 9’s pass, receives it and shoots. But to repeat: This combination is just one of many ways to finish; everything depends on the opponents.

B) Wing Attack 1- A wing attack is only possible under certain conditions, given the special rules and player’s positions: The basic element is high-speed dribbling: either on a solo run (4 gets past his opponent on the wing, who is not covered), or after a wall pass (2 dribbles toward his opponent, passes to 6, sprints past his opponent and receives a pass in his path from 6).

C) Wing Attack 2 - . . . or after shifting the point of attack. Shown here is a shift involving a passing option in the middle: 2 runs to meet 4, but instead of playing a wall pass, 2 takes the ball into the middle and passes into the path of 3, who has anticipated the shift. 3 makes a run through the small goal and crosses to the forwards in front of goal. Another option would be to shift the point of attack after a back pass, as explained in practise session 1.

Attacking Play

Passing in groups of four

Setup

� Four players’ takes position as shown (30 yards from A to D, 10 yards

from A to B and from C to D). � A starts out with the ball.

Sequence

� A starts the play with a long flighted ball to D, who volleys it directly

to C. � C plays a ground ball to D, who controls it on the first touch, then

plays a flighted ball to A. A plays the same combination with B to setup the next flighted ball, etc.

Attacking Play

Passing in groups of eight

Setup

� Using cones mark out a 20 x 20 yard field.

� Position a player at each corner of the field and give two of them a ball.

� Four more players (inside players) are in the middle of the field.

Sequence

� The inside sprint to show for passes from the outside players who have the ball. They quickly control the ball while running, and pass to any

available outside player.

Attacking Play

6 v 5 plus 2 v 2 on three goals

Setup

� Setup on one standard goal with goalkeeper on one end line of a 70

yard long field, and two on the other. � Position two teams (six red five white, plus goalkeepers) in the half in

front of goal 1. � Position two more red attackers and two white defenders in front of

goals 2 & 3.

Sequence

� Teams play 6 v 5 plus 2 v 2 on three goals. Reds defends goal 1 together with the goalkeeper.

� Red play combinations to try to score on goals 2 & 3. � When red wins the ball, they have to pass it back to the goalkeeper

first. This gives white a chance to get organized.

Attacking Play

A B C

General Notes

� For the red team, this setup accentuates the wing attack (note goal position and extra players on the wings). However, in this case the object is not to cross into the middle, but to finish directly on the wings.

� The diagrams explain what the outside forwards 7 & 11 should ideally do when the outside defenders (2 and 3) have the ball. As a rule, if opponents are pressuring the outside defender, then the outside forward needs to show for a pass close to the sideline. If the defender is not under pressure, then the forward should stay inside.

A) Going and coming – In order to show at the sideline, 7 can either check away

toward the end line (“going”) and then check in toward the passer (“coming”), or . . .

B) Coming and going - . . . . first check in towards the passer (“coming”) and then check away toward the end line (“going”). This gives 2 a chance to pass away from pressure.

C) Staying away – if 2 is able to take the ball forward into a 1 v 1 situation without interference, then 7 needs to stay in the middle, to avoid blocking the space 2 wants to dribble into.

Attacking Play

2 v 1 on goal lines

Setup

� Mark out several 10 x 15 yard grids

� Divide players into groups of three (striker, defender and server).

Sequence

� Striker checks away from defender. � Server plays ball to striker.

� Server and striker play 2 v 1 against the defender to the end line. � Players switch roles and positions after each round.

Variation

� Server and striker play 2 v 2 against two defenders to the end line.

Focus on:

� Getting away from defenders (counter movements).

� Making decisions: turn and take ball past defender? Drop ball back to server? Or let the ball roll past defender?

Attacking Play

2 striker’s v 1 defender

Setup

� Mark out a 20 x 30 yard field with a centreline, two goals and

goalkeepers. � Divide players into teams: two strikers versus one defender.

Sequence

� One keeper serves the ball to the strikers in the other half of the field.

� Teams play 2 v 1. � Competition: how many goals can each team attempt/score in one

minute?

Variation

� Teams play 2 v 2. � Teams play 3 v 2.

� Game builds to 3 v 3.

Focus on:

� Getting away from defenders (counter movements). � Making decisions: Turn and take ball past defender? Drop ball back to

server? Or let ball roll past defender? � Maintaining good ball control. � Playing fast combinations.

Attacking Play

4+3 v 3+4 plus goalkeepers

Setup

� Playing area is half a field, divided by a centreline.

� Setup a goal on each line. � Mark out a five-yard-wide wing zone along each sideline.

� Divide players into two teams of eight (goalkeeper, three defenders and four attackers).

� Goalkeepers stand in the goals, defenders in their defending half and attackers in their attacking half.

Sequence

� One goalkeeper plays the ball to his attackers in the opposite half.

� Teams play 4v3 until a goal is scored. � Attackers may not be attacked in the wing zones.

� If the defenders win the ball, they may pass it to their attackers in the other half.

Variation

� One defender is allowed to enter the attacking half, creating a 5v3

situation. � All shots must be set up on the wings.

Focus on:

� Making intelligent runs with and without the ball, inside to outside and

outside to in. � Creating space for other team-mates joining the attack. � Framing the goal when flank players serve the ball in.

� Playing off the other central striker. � Creating links to wide players.

� Heading. Attacking Play

6 v 4 on one goal with counter line

Setup

� Playing area is half a field. � Setup a goal on one end line.

� Divide players into six attacking players (two midfielders, two central strikers, two outside forwards) and five defending players (four

defenders, one goalkeeper).

Sequence

� Teams play 6 v 4 on the goal. � If the defending players win the ball, they counterattack on the

opposite end line.

Focus on:

� Getting away from defenders (countermovement). � Creating space for midfield players joining the attack.

� Playing off the other central striker. � Creating links to wide players.

� Heading. � Shooting from a distance.

Attacking Play

Warm Up Exercises

Setup

• Mark out two 12x12 yard fields and place four balls in each. • Divide players into two groups of eight, one on each field.

• One player stands at each cone (Team A = outside players). • Four players stand inside each field (Team B = inside players).

Sequence

Exercise 1: Team A has all four balls. B’s players run around inside the field and show for passes: A passes to B; B drops the ball back and shows for a pass from a

different player. After two minutes, players switch roles and positions.

Exercise 2: B’s players have all four balls. They dribble around and look for open outside players for wall passes: B passes to A and shows for a wall pass from the side.

A passes into B’s path; B dribbles away and looks for another wall pass with a different outside player. After two minutes, players switch roles and positions.

Exercise 3: Team A has all four balls. B’s players run around inside the field and

show for passes: A passes to B, B drops the ball back, A dribbles onto the field at high speed and B takes A’s position.

Attacking Play

1. 2 v. 1

Setup

• Mark out a 70 x 40-yard field with a centreline • Set up a goal with a goalkeeper on each endline

• Defenders (xxx) line up at the centreline • Attackers (xxxx) line up next to Goal 2

Sequence

GK1 throws or punts the ball to GK2

At that moment, one defender and two attackers run onto the field GK2 rolls the ball into an attacker’s path

Teams play 2 v. 1 on Goal 1 The defender tries to win the ball and counter on Goal 2

Variations

• Time limit : Sequence is the same as above, except attackers have just eight

seconds to score

• Defender pursues: Sequence is the same as above, except an extra defender waits behind Goal 2 and takes the field as soon as the attackers touch the ball

(2 v. 1 becomes 2 v. 2).

• Turnover on the wing: sequence is the same as above, except attackers line up on the left or right wing, where the attack begins after GK2 rolls the ball.

Extra defenders wait outside the field.

Attacking Play

2. 3 v. 2

Setup • Mark out a 70 x 40-yard field with a centreline

• Mark out a 70 x 40-yard field with a centreline • Set up a goal with a goalkeeper on each endline

• Defenders (xxx) line up at the centreline • Attackers (xxxx) line up next to Goal 2

Sequence

• GK1 throws or punts the ball to GK2

• At that moment, two defenders and three attackers run onto the field • GK2 rolls the ball into an attacker’s path

• Teams play 3 v. 2 on Goal 1 • The defenders try to win the ball and counter on Goal 2

Variations

• Time limit : Sequence is the same as above, except attackers have just eight

seconds to score

Defender pursues: sequence is the same as above, except an extra defender waits behind Goal 2 and takes the field as soon as the attackers touch the ball (3 v.2

becomes 3 v. 3

Attacking Play

A B C

Tips

Ball in the middle (A)

• With three attackers, the middle attacker should always have the ball. This is the only way for all three to take part in the play

• If this is not the case, there are two ways to make it happen: the player who has the ball either passes to the middle player or dribbles into the middle and

is overlapped • Either way, the rule is: Move fast so you don’t lose much time!

Defenders staggered (B)

• If the defenders’ positions are staggered (as they should be), then the player

with the ball should dribble towards the rear defender • This keeps all of the attackers’ offensive options open. All of these depend on

how the defenders respond (observe them carefully!). two are shown above: Pass past the rear defender to the left outside attacker (1) or pass through the

gap to the third attacker (2). • A solo run would be the other option

Defenders side by side (C)

• If the defenders are positioned side by side, the player with the ball can dribble

toward either one. Never dribble toward a hole! • Outside attackers keep the playing space wide

• To avoid going offside, outside attackers should try to stay inline with the ball when showing for passes

• After the pass to the outside, the receiver takes the ball toward the goal and finishes with courage and determination

Attacking Play

WARM UP

Passing in threes

Setup

• Using four cones, mark out a field

• Divide players into groups of three with one ball per three

• All players take the field

Sequence

For the first three minutes, partners pass freely amongst themselves while moving

about the field. Then they do the following exercises:

Exercise 1: player A passes to B, B passes directly to C, C receives and controls the ball while moving sideways, then passes to A, etc

Exercise 2: one player passes directly; the others are limited to two touches. Partners

switch roles every two minutes

Exercise 3: at the coach’s signal, players start passing as fast as possible. After 10 seconds, the coach gives another signal, and the players return to an easy pace.

Exercise 4: partners play flighted balls while moving

Exercise 5: Player A sprints into open space to show for a flighted ball, controls it

while moving then plays another flighted ball to B, etc

Attacking Play

2 v. 1 plus 1 v. 1

Setup

• Setup is the same as in Session 1, except one attacker (A) and one defender (B) start out on the field in front of Goal 1.

Sequence

• GK1 throws or punts the ball to GK2

• At that moment, one defender and two more attackers run onto the field • GK2 rolls the ball into an attackers path • Teams play 2 v. 1 plus 1 v. 1 on Goal 1

• The defenders try to win the ball and counter on Goal 2

Variations

• Time limit : Sequence is the same as above, except attackers have just eight seconds to score

• Defender pursues: Sequence is the same as above, except an extra defender

waits behind Goal 2 and takes the field as soon as the attackers touch the ball (2 v. 1 becomes 2 v. 2)

• Turnover on the wing: sequence is the same as above, except attackers line

up on the left or right wing, where the attacker begins after GK2 rolls the ball. Extra defenders wait outside the field.

Attacking Play

A B C General tips

• The setup simulates winning the ball in midfield: Midfielders immediately switch from defence to attack (GK rolls the ball, 2 v. 1 in attackers’ own half); they have one forward passing station

• Don’t wait too long to add time limits and extra defenders. Increase time limits and opposition pressure quickly so players can practice realistic situations

• To avoid losing valuable time and the advantage of numbers, attackers should move fast and be ready to take risks.

• More variations: • 3 v. 2 plus 1 v. 2 • 3 v. 2 plus 2 v. 2 • Three additional variations are shown at right. As always, what the attackers

do depends on what the defenders do. Option 1 (A)

• C dribbles towards the first defender • A shows for a pass beside C, pulling B away and creating space for D, who is

moving alongside C. • C passes into D’s path • D makes a decisive run toward goal and finishes

Option 2 (B)

• C dribbles toward the first defender • A shows for a pass beside C, pulling B away and creating space for D • If the first defender blocks the ideal passing lane to D, then C dribbles toward

B and tries to pass to D through the gap Option 3 (C)

• A makes a diagonal run toward C, making it harder for B to create an offside situation

• On reaching the inside position, A calls for a pass from C into A’s path • If the path to goal is open, A penetrates the penalty box and finishes

Attacking Play

WARM-UP

Passing in pairs

Setup

• Mark out two 15 x 20 yard fields • Divide players into pairs (one ball per pair) and assign an equal number to

each field

Sequence

Do the following sequence of exercises: Exercise 1: partner pass freely while moving

Exercise 2: partners must pass directly

Exercise 3: one player passes directly; switch roles after two minutes

Exercise 4: sprint into open space to show for a ground ball

Exercise 5: sprint into open space to show for a flighted ball

Attacking Play

2 plus 1 v. 3

Description

• Field is the same as in previous session • GK2 throws the ball to GK1

• GK 1 rolls the ball to an attacker (blue)

• Attacking Main Session 2V1 PLUS 1V1 OPTION 2.ini Two attackers play against two defenders to finish on Goal 2 (third attacker is passive)

• Defenders try to win the ball and counter on Goal 1

Note

• Start out with a 3 v. 2 situation favouring defenders (red), who should double-team the player with the ball

• Quickly switch from defence to attack after winning the ball • All players from the red team participate in the counterattack

Attacking Play

6 v. 6 plus 2 v. 2

Setup

• Mark out a field between the penalty boxes and set up a goal with a goalkeeper on each endline

• Divide players into two team of eight • Position two white players and two red players in front of Goal 2

Sequence

• The red team starts the game at the centreline: 6 v. 6 on Goal 1

• If the white team wins the ball, they counter on Goal 2 with the help of their passing stations in front of the goal

Attacking Play

4 v. 2 on goal lines

Setup

• Mark out two 15 x 20 yard fields

• On each field, two teams play 4 v. 4 on the endlines

Sequence

• The team that has the ball uses fast, determined combination play to set up a run across the oppositions endline

• Two players from the defending team stand behind their own endline and may not interfere with the game

• This creates a 4 v. 2 situation for the attackers • If the defenders win the ball, teams immediately switch roles; the new

attackers start with a back pass to a team-mate behind the endline.

Attacking Play

2 plus 3 v. 3 plus 2

Setup

• Setup and sequence are as above, except the field is longer and wider, and there are two defenders (xxx) and two attackers (xxx) in the half in front of

Goal 1.

Sequence

• Start out with a 3 v. 2 situation favouring defenders (xxx), who should double team the player with the ball.