By Alex Trukan
This practice significantly improves players’ aerobic power system which is responsible for recovery between high intensity actions and serves as a basis for all other physical components’ development. In this practice, this is achieved using extensive interval training which challenges and improves players’ recovery time between high intensity actions (quicker recovery). The practice also helps with combination play and breaking forwards quickly to create goal scoring chances. From technical point of view, it contains a lot of dribbling, short passing and running with the ball. It also challenges players to make forward runs off the ball and be positive at all times with and without the ball. This practice is relevant and can be adapted to all age groups and ability levels.
Set-Up and Directions
Set up a 15 x 30 yards area and divide it into two halves. Split the group into two teams of five. Two players from each team should be positioned on the opposite ends as shown on the diagram below. The remaining three players start in the middle. One ball is used by both teams. Prepare a sufficient amount of balls ready to play in.
The practice starts from attacking end player who plays the ball into one of his teammates. First pass should be of a good quality to ensure the attack can be continued. As soon as the pass is played in, the opposition players can go and try to win the ball back.
The aim of the attacking team is to combine play and get the ball forwards to the opposite target player. This should be done as soon as possible, with positive attitude and at pace. Off-side rule doesn’t apply.
Every transfer of the ball to the opposite target player counts as a point. To make the point count, all of the attacking players should cross the half way line. Oppositon players should continue to try and win the ball back as soon as possible.
The team that scored a point stays in possession of the ball and continues their attacks. Both ball and players should get forwards as quick as possible. Target player in possession can’t pass directly to the opposite target player. Players should be encouraged to keep the ball on the ground. Target players should be rotated (after every pass into them or after a certain amount of time).
Timing
The practice should be continued for 1-2 minutes (each repetition) and repeated 6-10 times in 2 series. Rest period between repetitions should be 1-3 minutes and between series – 4 minutes.
Variations
- Target player drives with the ball in and rotates with a passer
- 2v2+2/4v4+2
- Ball must stay on the ground
- Get to the opposite side within max. 3 passes
By Alex Trukan, Development Coach, Nottingham Forest
@AlexTrukan
