By Alex Trukan
This practice is designed to develop Explosive Power which is responsible for sharp sprints to the ball, running duels or 2v2 transition scenarios. This kind of training leads to improved body’s ability to use fuel (ATP) and therefore, produce more powerful and explosive actions. The following practice achieves this in a 2v2 scenario which can be very competitive and engaging for players. From technical point of view, it incorporates dribbling, movements off the ball, quick combination play and finishing. This variation of 2v2 can be also used with almost every age group and ability level.
Set-Up and Directions
Organise a 20 x 30 yards playing area. Place four small sized goals (two on each side) on the opposite ends. Mark out ‘finishing’ areas 3 yards in from the end lines. Divide players into two teams and then further into two groups from each team. Organise four starting positions for two teams (four groups) as shown on the diagram below. Prepare a sufficient amount of balls to ensure intensity and flow of the practice. Coach’s starting position is on the side between two starting positions.
The practice starts with a coach playing the ball on the angle into one of the teams (ball played into certain player on purpose). At the same time, first player from each station runs around the nearest goal and gets back onto the pitch. This should be done at a maximal intensity.
The player who receives the ball from the coach, passes the ball onto a player from the opposite team. Coach should emphasise quality of the pass to make sure 2v2 can be continued.
2v2 situation is continued until one of the teams score or the ball goes out. A goal can be only scored from a ‘finishing’ zone into one of the small goals. Each 2v2 should last no longer than 6 seconds. After it’s finished, new 2v2 is started in the same way from the coach.
Timing
Each player should complete 4-6 repetitions of 2v2 in 1-2 series. Rest period between repetitions is 1 minute and between series – 4 minutes.
Variations
- 1v1’s
- Team that gets the ball from a coach can attack straight away (no pass to the opposition team)
- Increase/decrease the size of the playing area
By Alex Trukan, Development Coach, Nottingham Forest
@AlexTrukan
