By Mike Smith
Whether it is a forward coming back to support on defense and then trying to get back up top, or a defender making a run into the attack, runs from deep can cause a lot of trouble for a defense. For these runs to be effective your players must have combined vision and excellent timing but when the moments present themselves in a match, a player running into the attack from a deep position can be almost unstoppable. This session focuses on the idea of the run from deep.
Lesson 1
4 Passes and a Timed Run
Set Up
Groups of 6 players work in a 30 x 40 yd area. Set up a triangle of cones spaced 15 yds apart (as shown). Place a deeper cone and a forward cone 10 yds to one side of the triangle with a total distance of 40 yds between the two. The player making the deep run starts play from the deep cone by passing the ball in to the forward point on the triangle. The players in the triangle pass the ball around the shape with the final pass being made to the farthest cone where the starting player has timed a sprint in to receive it. After the deep pass is received, this player passes the ball back to the starting point, rotates positions counter clock wise with the other players ( as shown ) and the drill is repeated.
Coaching Points
This is a great warm up for the rest of the session. The coach should work with the starting player to time the run to start just as the first player in the triangle is making their pass. The starting player should receive the ball as it gets to the farthest cone and not get there too early or late. Obviously, there is a premium on well timed, well weighted passes here as well.
Lesson 2
4 v 1 and a Shot
Set Up
Similar to the first activity, 3 attacking players receive the ball from a defender in a 20 x 20 yd box at the top of the penalty area ( as shown ). The defender follows the pass into the cone box to try and disrupt play. Once every attacking player in the box has touched the ball, a service can be made to the attacker running in from deep. This player starts on the half line. IF the defender gets the ball and can clear it out of the cone box, the play is done. IF the deep runner receives the ball inside the box, they should shoot. The keeper should stay in the goalie box during this stage. Attacking players rotate positions after each attempt, defending players take turns.
Coaching Points
Again, the focus is on timing the run from deep. Too early and if the defender wins the ball critical space is exposed for a counter. Too late and the attacking team could get caught in possession. The coach should work on timing, combined vision and communication.
Lesson 3
Add Players
Set Up
For the next progression, add an additional line of defenders at the opposite corner of the penalty area and send in 1 each try for a total of 2 defenders per attempt. Add an additional deep player who can support the attackers in the cone box from just outside the cone area. This player can combine with the attackers in the box to create a 4 v 2 or serve the ball directly to the attacker making the deep run. Players rotate after each attempt. A final progression is to remove the cones and play 8 attackers vs 6 defenders on a half field, with the one rule all shots must come from players on the back line. The defending team scores anytime the ball is cleared out of play (with the exception of corners).
Coaching Points
The players should have the idea of timing down by this stage but the coach should still focus on timing, vision and communication. In the 8 v 6 progression, the coach should help the attacking players recognize the opportunities to use deep runs as they present themselves with one or two well timed stoppages early in the drill as the players progress to the end with relatively free play.
By Mike Smith
Currently the Head Coach for University Heights Academy Boys Soccer in Hopkinsville, KY , Mike is in his 14th year as a high school head coach with 23 years coaching experience overall and 34 year as a student and fan of the game. He holds a USSF D License.
