Creating Scoring Chances Centrally

The following activities can be used to develop an understanding between twin Strikers, or a Striker and #10 in tight spaces in + around the box.

The first activity provides 3 support players for the Strikers to ensure a level of success; The activities then progress to 3v2 / 3v2+Recovering Defender; each time the demand on the speed of decision-making and execution increases = players must create scoring actions in less space / time!

Try these with you team; feel free to make adjustments and let us know how you get on!

1.

Setup:

A 2v2 with goalkeeper + 3 support players (Yellow) is organised as shown.

Diagram A

Instructions:

Play starts with a pass from Player (A) into either of the 2 central Strikers (Black). Strikers may attack their direct opponent 1v1, or combine with any of the 3 support players to create scoring chances.

Attacking Group: Emphasis on quickly taking advantage of numerical superiority – be direct!

Defence Pair: Emphasis on Zonal defending and preventing opponent from creating opportunities to score.

Offside is in effect.

Rotate Defenders / Attackers often.

Coaching Points:

Attacking Group:

  • Feints / deception within tight spaces
  • Quick combination play to create scoring chances
  • Quality of finishing / scoring; various techniques

2.

Setup:

A 2v2 with goalkeeper + 1 support player is organised as shown.

Diagram B

Instructions:

Play starts with a pass from Player (A) into either of the 2 central Strikers (Black). Immediately after the initial pass Player (A) runs forward to join the attack; this creates a 3v2 to goal. Strikers may attack their direct opponent 1v1, or combine with each other to create scoring chances.

Attacking Group: Emphasis on quickly taking advantage of numerical superiority – be direct!

Defence Pair: Emphasis on Zonal defending and preventing opponent from creating opportunities to score.

Offside is in effect.

Rotate Defenders / Attackers often.

Coaching Points:

Attacking Group:

  • Attack at pace – be direct!
  • Feints / deception within tight spaces
  • Quick combination play to create scoring chances
  • Quality of finishing / scoring; various techniques

3.

Setup:

Recovering Defender(s) are organised as shown.

Diagram C

Instructions:

Play starts with a pass from Player (A) into either of the 2 central Strikers (Black). Immediately after the initial pass Player (A) runs forward to join the attack; this creates a 3v2 to goal – a Recovering Defender must also immediately enter the game – this will create a 3v3 situation. Strikers may attack their direct opponent 1v1, or combine with each other to create scoring chances.

Attacking Group: Emphasis on quickly taking advantage of numerical superiority – be direct before the Recovering Defender can track back to offer support!

Defence Pair: Emphasis on Zonal defending and preventing opponent from creating opportunities to score; delay as long as possible to allow teammate to recover.

Offside is in effect.

Rotate Defenders / Attackers often.

Coaching Points:

Attacking Group:

  • Attack at pace – be direct!
  • Feints / deception within tight spaces
  • Quick combination play to create scoring chances
  • Quality of finishing / scoring; various techniques