Attacking with forward runs

Exploiting space and getting behind the opposition defence is a great way to create scoring opportunities. But, players need to recognise when these opportunities present themselves in a match. This session is designed to encourage players to make forward runs without the ball, in order to break the last line of defence.

The first activity can be run on any day of the training week and is a good possession game, with the emphasis on making forward runs without the ball in order to score. The second activity is great for the day before a game as the players don’t cover any distance but the coaching outcome is still achieved through the set up of the drill.

What do I get the players to do?

Line ball

We set up between the penalty boxes of the pitch with a 10-yard scoring zone at each end. This game can use any number of players but here we’re playing 9v9 plus 2 floaters, who give the attacking team an overload in possession, as shown [1].

One player starts by running into the end zone to collect a ball and his team must pass the ball until they create an opportunity to pass into the scoring zone at the end they are attacking. To score, a player has to run into the zone and receive the ball. Players can only enter the zone to run onto a pass and can’t stand waiting in the zone.

1

How do I progress the session?

To discourage the defending team from sitting back and just blocking rather than trying to gain the ball, we allow the possession team to score a point if they string 10 passes together.

We can progress the activity  further by removing the neutral floaters and going man-to-man.

What do I get the players to do next?

1v1 grid game

We set up the playing area as shown [2], with a 25-yard end zone and a goal at each end. Between the end zones is a 30x30-yard square with nine 10x10-yard boxes marked out inside. We’re using 2 goalkeepers and 21 outfield players, who are divided into two teams of 9 and 3 floaters.

There’s a 1v1 set up in each of the nine boxes and players must stay in their boxes unless they are in the attacking front line, which is composed of the three boxes nearest to the goal that the team are attacking.

Play starts with a pass out from a goalkeeper to one of his defenders. Players have unlimited touches and must work the ball forwards by passing to their team mates and using the help of the three floaters, who can move anywhere and who play for the team in possession.

The aim is to get the ball to one of the forwards on the front line, who can pass into the scoring zone for a team mate to run onto, breaking the last line to go 1v1 against the goalkeeper and score in the goal. No other attackers or defenders may follow the runner into the scoring zone.

If a goal is scored or if the ball goes dead, play is restarted in the square with an attack going the other way.

2

How do I progress the session?

We can progress by allowing a recovering defender to also break out of the area when attackers go 1v1 against the goalkeeper.

Also, we make sure to rotate players regularly, so everyone has a turn in one of the boxes on the frontline and the chance to go 1v1 against the goalie. Maintain the locked-in 1v1 in each square after rotating players.

What are the key things to look out for?

We are looking for teams to create overloads in order to give players the time and space to make well-executed forward runs. We want players to demonstrate a willingness to make these runs and an understanding of when, and when not, to make them, as timing is key and players should be discouraged from forcing their passes.

Effective communication between the passer and the runner is also vital to the success of the session.

We want to see players using the correct weight and style of pass into space and the right body shape from the receiving player.