Creating and finishing

In this session we are looking at creating, both individually (1v1) and putting together collective combinations to create finishing opportunities in central and wide areas. We are looking at movement towards goal, across goal, and being stationary, plus finishing from central and wide areas, ranging from one touch to more, using multiple parts of the body and different techniques from different ranges in front of goal.

The session is highly competitive and runs at high speed with high repetition of actions. Points systems can be introduced for teams (attackers v defenders) or partnerships (x two players). Goalkeepers are highly active and can work with the defending teams to score points.

There is a high level of interference with attacks occurring both ways, so players have to navigate the “traffic” with their attacking movements and defensive positioning. This structure creates “controlled chaos”, replicating game scenarios. Interference also emphasises to players where they need to develop appropriate strategies (eg timing, type of attacking movement).

The session and the coach create an environment for players to demonstrate freedom and creativity in attack through coaching behaviours and player feedback strategy. This session also challenges specific psychological skills such as confidence (to create or attack and to take attacking risks), resilience (it is physically and psychologically tough) and self-control (if things go wrong!).

The session design develops high levels of cognitive load for the players. The coach can use this design in making assessments of, for example, player decision-making capability.

I run this session regularly when coaching this theme (eg every six weeks). The coach can also place a different emphasis on a coaching theme (eg box defending). The session structure can also be adapted (eg larger area size to stimulate alternative physical elements, such as acceleration or deceleration).

DUAL PRACTICE

Set up as per diagram. The blue players have a ball each, and they are attackers. The red players work in pairs and are defenders. The yellow players also work in pairs and are attackers.

Blue 1 and 4 begin the practice by moving forward with the ball at the same time. Attackers A and B move forward to attack. Red defenders C and D defend the oncoming attack [1a]. 

[1a]

1. Blue 1 and 4 move forward

2. A and B pairs move forward to attack

3. Red C and D defend

Blue 1 and 4 can shoot or dribble to cross [1b]. Once both attackers are finished, the opposite blue players
(2 and 3) begin the next attack with the next set of yellow attackers.

[1b]

1. Blue 1 and 4 can shoot (as 4 does here) or dribble to cross (as 1 does here)

If the red defenders regain possession, they look to finish in the furthest goal. If the goalkeeper regains possession, they shoot 1v1 against the opposite goalkeeper.

You can score as follows: goal one point, assist one point, clean sheet for defenders five points (in designated time), defenders/goalkeepers score goal five points.

You can progress this by giving the blue players the option to combine a pass with their yellow attacker or their opposite blue. From then, you could permit the opposite red defender to defend the opposite goal. Finally, you could introduce the opposite blue player to make a third attacker in the move.

SMALL-SIDED GAME

You can then move it into a small-sided game. Begin with a practice, pitch size 65x44 (defensive half) and 65x64 (attacking half), where the team in possession creates a 4v3 in the defensive half, with the aim to pass or dribble forwards into the attacking half, where a 4v4 is created to a finish. In the attacking half, the pitch widens to allow for wide-area attacks, and players can attack and defend freely across the full width [2].

[2]

1. The team in possession creates 4v3 in defensive half, aiming to pass or dribble forwards into the attacking half 

2. 4v4 is created to a finish

3. In attacking half, pitch widens to allow for wide-area attacks, players can attack and defend freely across the full width

You can then move into a full game, with no restrictions over the width and length of the pitch, and players can move freely. One goal equals one point.

You can even progress this, challenging players to create numerical advantages (5v3/5v4) to progress the ball into the attacking half (and attack and defend in balance), or once the ball passes into the attacking half, allow for defenders and attackers to move freely into the attacking half (encouraging attacking balance and defensive recovery).

COACHING POINTS

What are the key things to look out for technically and tactically?

For attacking yellow players: the correct timing and type of movement to attack the cross (in pairs); executing the appropriate finishing technique at the correct moment.

For attacking blue players: quick and effective attacks (individually or with partners).

For red defenders: work individually or in pairs to effectively defend the goal; select and execute the appropriate finishing technique upon transition.

For goalkeepers: defend the goal effectively, thinking about footwork, set and action.

What are the typical mistakes that players might make, and how do you avoid them?

Attacking yellow players often run in straight lines to attack the goal. Encourage them to adjust the type and timing of their runs to manage the defenders and opposite interference. They also often move too early and ahead of the ball, meaning first-time finishes are limited. Encourage them to arrive as late as the ball arrives, with body aligned towards the goal.

Attacking blue players may be reluctant to combine with team-mates to unbalance defenders and create opportunities to finish. Encourage them to come off their starting position and show creativity to make the opportunity to finish. Encourage red defenders to manage their positioning and assess the most immediate danger, for example block the line of the shot, or move out to block the blue attacker’s shot, or stay in line with the goal to defend the cross and the attacking runners.