This article is an excerpt from our new eBook by Scott Allison - Coaching the Barcelona 4-3-3
Attacking in the Final Third
Exercise 1: Combination play in and around the box
Objective:
To develop good combinations in and around the box that lead to goal-scoring opportunities in the scoring zone from central positions.
Setup:
In this exercise you need a minimum of 8 players and a goalkeeper attacking a goal (For larger groups duplicate the exercise with another group going towards another goal. Use a penalty box area and have two groups working from either side of the goal. Players positioned on the goal line start the exercise with a ball. Three players are positioned in a triangle at the edge of the box (use markers as a guide for players). One Goalkeeper in the goal:
Instructions:
The exercise begins with player A passing the ball to player B. A then moves forward and player B plays a quick combination with A. A then passes to C. C plays a pass to D and makes a forward run. D then sets the ball for C and spins out leaving space for C’s forward run. C drives into the box and looks to finish with a goal. The players rotate positions A to B, B to C, C to D and D to A.
Once the first group has had a shot on goal the second group start the next move. Regularly rotate the players to either side of the goal (player D joins the opposite line) to ensure players are working on the move from both sides of the goal:
Progression:
The first simple progression is to add opposition with Player D becoming a defender when C gets the ball. C and B play a quick combination then C attacks the box with D defending.
The second progression involves changing the point of attack and encouraging a wider player to attack the box. This replicates Barcelona’s play in and around the box when occasionally quick combinations on one side can lead to space being created on the other side and a player attacking the space in and around the box:
[wpsharely id="2988"][/wpsharely]
This time Player C drives the ball into the box for D. D either has a finish or can pass to E around the penalty spot for a finish – a very difficult area for the goalkeeper. The rotation is A to B to C to D to E. E gets the ball and joins the opposite line. Please note to do this progression you will need to add extra players at positions B and D if you want the exercise to flow from either side. A simpler option is to work with one group attacking the goal from one side then change sides after several attacks.
Coaching Points:
Passing - Quality passes with no rotation on the ball, emphasis quick combinations with high levels of technical skill and concentration.
Movement – Before and after each pass encourage players to move to get into good positions for quality passing and finishing. They need to be in the correct position to receive the ball before it arrives.
Angles - Players need to make angles with the correct body position when receiving the ball. Create angles that form small triangles for combinations, players attacking the box also have to make the correct angles that allow their teammates to set them correctly for a finish.
Timing – The group need to work together to make sure the tempo is high and the timing of passes, movement off the ball and finishing is crucial. The coach must observe and correct any occasions where the timing of passes or runs lead to an unsuccessful move.
Finishing – Look for composed finishes on target working the goalkeeper. As always encourage players to aim for the corners away from the goalkeeper. If the keeper is nearpost aim for farpost, of he is central aim for either corner.
As always, remember to limit the amount of coaching points in each exercise. The points above are a guide. Try to limit your points to some key areas you are looking to develop and don’t overload players with too much information at any one time.
This article is an excerpt from our new eBook by Scott Allison - Coaching the Barcelona 4-3-3
