Attacking offside elements

Area	Half-pitch plus 18 yards
Equipment	Balls, cones, goal
No. of Players	Full squad
Session Time	20mins

More and more centre-forwards are learning how to play smarter when it comes to taking advantage of the rules of offside. Being clever with their movement can cause defenders countless problems, and a principle we like to concentrate on is that of attackers keeping defenders deep by standing in offside positions before coming back onside. This session practices that principle.

What do I get the players to do?

The keeper serves out to a full-back, who drives a long diagonal pass into the midfielder, who runs from behind the far goal. His partner comes out with him from the other side of the goal (1a).

1a

The centre-forward’s starting position is offside behind the two central defenders. The two midfielders combine, and after one or two passes the centre-forward gets onside before timing his run in behind to get a forward pass and make a 3v2 situation (1b).

1b

Plays concludes with a shot at goal or save (1c).

1c

Play now starts from the other end of the pitch. Again, a short pass is made by the keeper to his full-back, and a long ball sent upfield (1d).

1d

Players who were passive in the first phase are now active, and again we want to see an attack on goal (1e). Rotate players after four attacks and ensure moves rotate from left and right sides.

1e

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In the progression, wide players can move out to become wingers. Crosses must be made first-time into the box for inrushing attackers (2).

2

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

The simplicity of the centre-forward’s movement is also the most important factor. He must time his run to get onside before being involved in any combination play, and beginning deep of the defenders is pivotal.

Link-up with other players and precision of pass and run are essential if the practice is to succeed.