By Alex Trukan
This practice is aimed at developing Aerobic Power, an ability to recover quickly between high intensity actions. In practical context, it might mean that when a player makes a sprint, he will be ready to do another one faster. The second important physical outcome is the strength to hold the ball up in 1v1 duels. This will help players to stay on the ball more effectively and secure the ball when under pressure. From a technical perspective, this practice develops the ability to combine short and long passes in both possession and counter attacking scenario. It also challenges players to make quick forward supporting runs.
Set-Up and Directions
Organise a pitch of approximately 25 x 15 yards. Divide it into two halves. Use two goals facing outwards on the opposite halves as shown on the diagram below. Divide the group into two teams of three (this is min. number required, more players can be added). Prepare a sufficient amount of spare balls.
When the ball is in play, both teams should have one player on the other half. The attacking team tries to establish possession on one half and make a min. of 5 passes. The opposition tries to win the ball back.
As soon as five passes are made, the attacking team will try to break out and pass the ball into their player on the opposition half. Target player attempts to secure the ball and wait for his teammates to arrive (target player can’t score).
As soon as supporting player gets on the ball, the attacking team tries to score in the goal. After a goal is scored, the practice is resumed with the opposition team starting in possession of the ball trying to break out into opposite half and score.
Timing
The game should be played for 3 minutes and be repeated 4 times in 2 series. Rest between every game should last around 1 min, and between series, 4 minutes.
Variations
- 4v4/5v5
- Target player has to take min.3 touches before a pass
- One touch finish
By Alex Trukan, Development Coach, Nottingham Forest
@AlexTrukan
