Attacking movement and combination play in the final third

This session is designed to improve the ability to create and exploit space in the final third. It focuses on attacking movements, both on and off the ball, to create numerical advantages, overloads, through balls and scoring opportunities. It also challenges players to combine quickly, using creativity and clever play to unlock the opposition’s defence.

It’s a key session because it helps players develop an understanding of how to attack against different defensive systems and it aids them to develop technical and tactical skills. 

This session applies to any situation where the players have possession in the attacking half and need to break down a low or mid-block defence. It also applies to any situation where the players need to transition quickly from defence to attack or vice versa.

In the modern game, attacking effectiveness and the ability to exploit space are crucial for success. Teams that can effectively combine and transition from defence to attack with speed and precision often have a significant advantage. By developing a deep understanding of attacking movements, players can unlock defences, create scoring opportunities, and control the flow of the game.

The session will revolve around a through ball game with target goals. Players will be encouraged to think critically and creatively, utilising disguised passes and intelligent rotations. By allowing players freedom to express themselves, we aim to nurture their creativity, fostering an environment where they can develop their decision-making abilities. 

Moreover, this session will emphasise the importance of maintaining balance behind the ball, understanding the delicate balance between attacking and defensive responsibilities. Players will learn to squeeze the pitch, denying space to opponents, while still being prepared to launch fast counter-attacks.

THROUGH BALL GAME

We set up a playing area of 75x25 yards. It is split into two 15-yard end zones and a middle zone of 45 yards. The lines between zones act as offside lines. Two mini goals are positioned at each end.

We’re using 16 outfield players split into two teams of eight, with each team set up in a 3-2-3 formation. The three forwards from each team must hold a high line, staying in the opponent’s half.

The red centre back starts with the ball and the reds look to build play patiently and retain possession while waiting for the opportunity to play a through ball to one of the three forwards, who can score in either of the target goals at the end they are attacking.

Through clever movement, rotations and runs in behind, the attacker must try to score alone in a 1v1 scenario against one defender who is also able to recover after the striker receives the through ball into the end zone, as shown [1]. 

[1]

1. The centre back starts with the ball and the attacking team looks to play a through ball to the three forwards 
2. The three forwards from each team must hold a high line, staying in the opponent’s half
3. The forward must try to score in a 1v1 against one defender who can recover after the through ball enters the end zone
4. The defenders and midfielders are allowed to support the attack if the forward is denied a finish and decides to recycle the ball
5. If the blue defending team wins the ball, they should counter attack the target goals at the other end

The attacking team’s defenders and midfielders are allowed to support the attack if the attacker is denied a finish and decides to recycle the ball. 

The blue defending team looks to win the ball back and if they succeed, they then counter-attack one of the target goals at the other end. Play restarts from the defenders at the end that was just attacked.

We would find opportunities to coach the players on the craft, weight and direction of their through balls, the timing and angle of their attacking runs, and the decision making and finishing of the forwards.

We can use live coaching and guided discovery to help the players improve their through balls. For example, we might ask the players to vary the speed and height of their passes, to look for different gaps and channels, and to use different parts of their feet.

PROGRESSION 1: COMBINING AND QUICK PLAY

As a progression, the attackers are allowed to dribble and combine with their team mates in the attacking half and other players can also support the attack with forward runs after a through ball has been played to the striker, as shown [2].

[2]

1. Play restarts from the defenders at the end that was attacked. Now the blues are the attacking team 
2. As a progression, the forwards can dribble and combine with their team mates in the attacking half 
3. Other supporting players can also join the attack after a through ball is played to one of the forwards
4. Here the blue forwards combine to score a goal, while the blue midfielders make runs to support

We would coach the players on the craft, quality and speed of their combinations, the movement and support of their team mates, and the creation and exploitation of overloads.

We would use live coaching and constraint-led methods to challenge the players to combine and play quickly. For example, we might limit the number of touches or passes that players can use, or we could increase or decrease the size of the playing area.

PROGRESSION 2: BEAT THE BLOCK

As a further progression, the defending team sets up in a mid-block with a 4-3-1 formation. The attacking team starts with the ball and looks to work it through to create a goal scoring opportunity. They play the ball from the back line via the midfield to an attacker, while team mates support the attack with off-the-ball runs, as shown [3].

[3]

1. As a further progression, the defending team sets up in a mid-block with a 4-3-1 formation. Here the blues are the defending team
2. The attacking team starts with the ball and looks to work it through to one of the forwards to create a goal scoring opportunity
3. The forward’s team mates support the attack
4. The blue defending team recover and try and stop the attack. If they win the ball, they counter attack 

The defending team tries to prevent the attackers from scoring by staying compact, organized and disciplined. If the defending team wins the ball back they can counter-attack.

Goalkeepers can be added as another progression and the size of the middle area can be adjusted if necessary. We would coach the players on their attacking movements to create space and uncertainty for the defenders, both on and off the ball. We would also coach the players on the use of playmakers and number 10s to find gaps and deliver quality passes to their team mates.

We would use this activity to coach the players on the use of balance behind the ball to squeeze the pitch and transition to attack quickly if they lose possession.

We would use live coaching and guided discovery methods to help the players improve their attacking movements. For example, we might ask the players to make different types of runs (overlapping, underlapping, diagonal); to use different types of passes (short, long, direct, indirect); and to use different types of creativity and clever play (one-twos, flicks, backheels, dribbles).

COACHING POINTS

What are the key things to look out for?

The accuracy and the weight of pass is important so we would coach players to make crisp and well-timed passes to their team mates. We would also encourage players to scan the pitch and identify open spaces to exploit.

Providing players with feedback on their body positioning and receiving techniques is vital so they can receive the ball efficiently and quickly transition into their next move.

We want to see players both anticipating and making effective through ball passes that aim to split the defence and create scoring opportunities.

We also want to see players making intelligent off-the-ball runs, utilising diagonal, curved, and timed movements to create space for themselves and their team mates.

How often will you run it?

The frequency and circumstances for running this session can vary depending on the team’s needs. It can be incorporated into the regular weekly training programme so players will have consistent opportunities to develop their attacking movement, exploit space, and enhance their offensive strategies. This approach allows for gradual improvement and reinforcement of key concepts throughout the season.

Another effective way to implement this session is to run it the day before a game, especially when facing a specific type of opponent. For example, against physical opponents. If the upcoming match is against a physically imposing team that relies on a strong defensive structure, running this session before the game can help players develop the necessary movement patterns and strategies to break through the defence and exploit the spaces that may emerge.