By Sean Pearson
Area: 34 x 40 yards
Time: 20mins
Players: 5v5+4
Objective:
• To use the flank players to attack on a consistent basis
• To effectively make decisions that create chances from the flanks
Set Up:
Both teams play in a 2-1-1 with wide players acting as FB’s and Wingers. The neutrals stay on the outside until the ball is played to them or they are attacking.
Execution:
When there is space directly in front of the attacking neutrals instruct players to pass the ball in front of them so they can run onto the ball. When the wide players see there is space in behind the defense, play the ball on the ground with a first time cross. The striker has moved to the inside shoulder of the CB opposite the direction the ball has gone. This then allows them to make a diagonal run across the goal to the front post. The CM/AM runs to what would be the penalty spot and the opposite winger comes infield to be at the back post.
In a 1v1 scenario encourage the attacking neutral to take on the single defender, if they get to the touch line they should look to pull the ball back to the penalty spot for the AM to shoot first time. The striker still makes the same run as before to draw a defender away from the center of the goal and the opposite attacking neutral comes in off the line again to pick up any rebounds.
Eventually incorporate overlaps with both side neutrals. If there is space to run with the ball inside the FB neutral can overlap to overload the defender on that side in a 2v1. If the middle/front post area is congested a cross in the air to the back post is required.
Variations:
• Different types of crosses
• Allow goals from the central area as well as from wide to keep the defenders guessing
By Sean Pearson. Sean is also the author Coaching Team Shape in the 3-3-1, Coaching Team Shape in the 4-2-3-1 and Coaching Team Shape in the 4-3-3
