This practice is designed to work on high speed conditioning through counter attack and defensive recovery runs. Players are tasked with scoring as quickly as possible.
About the Video
In the video below, PDP Coaching Advisor, Dan Cooke demonstrates the practice with a group of U17 players.
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Additional Information
The structure of this practice lends itself to a number of outcomes, including:
- Quick attack
- Forward passing/running
- Creating and scoring
- Recovery runs
- Transition
- Counter attack
Key elements to observe and encourage are:
- High speed movement
- Timing of pass/movement
- Creating and and finishing
- Quick play
- Desire and effort
Practice Overview
Topic: Combination Play
No. of Players: 7-22
Goalkeepers: Yes
Practice Type: Phase of Play
Offsides: Optional
Pitch Size: 60 x 44
Timing: 15 mins
Age Group: 12+
Interpreting the Diagrams
The key below outlines what the images mean on the diagrams.
If you have questions about the practices, contact the PDP Team or share your views on the Player Development Project Coaching Community.
Key For Diagrams
Diagrams
Objectives
This practice provides an opportunity for repeated high speed runs in attacking or transition moments.
Organisation
Set up a long narrow pitch with enough length for the players to move into space at full speed. Set up 3 mini goals/gates on half as an incentive for the defending team. The attacking team attacks towards the large goal & GK. The practice starts with an attacking player serving the ball into the 2 defenders. The defenders have 5 seconds to score into the mini goals. If the attackers win the ball, they have 8 seconds to score. If the defenders successfully score, have a player on hand to serve a second ball in to the attackers who break out on attack. Rotate defenders in from the side, and rotate attackers from behind the mini goal. Adapt time limits according to age/ability of your players. The defenders must be set up above the halfway line (see image) to ensure there is adequate space behind them for attackers to exploit.
Observations & Interventions
What you might see
- Players attacking too slowly
- Players not being direct in attack
Actions you might take
- Adjust time limit for attack
- Encourage forward passing/running
Adaptations: Is the session too easy?
- Make the space narrower
- Reduce time limit in attack
Is the session too hard?
- Make space bigger
- Increase time limits
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