Recognizing the moment to deliver penetrating passes is a quality that high-level players and teams possess. Players must: (1) develop the game-understanding to identify the situations and (2) have the technical ability to execute in the various scenarios.
The following session creates realistic scenarios to encourage players to identify + execute in the final-third of the pitch.
1.
Setup:
Squad is split into 2 groups (only 1 group shown in diagram).
Instructions:
Passing Sequence with emphasis on Final Pass:
Player (A) pass to (B) checking off the mannequin: Player (B) controls in the direction of (C) and then passes with 2nd touch. Player (C) lays back to (A): (A) to (D): Player (D) lays off to (C): (C) pass to (E): (E) lay back to (D): (D) passes to (F) who is moving inside: (F) lays back to (E): (F) times his run to make a diagonal sprint inside to receive a through-ball from (E). (F) finishes in the mini goal.
Continuous – 1x8min
Coaching Points:
- Checking movements into space
- Movement, Direction and Speed of movement to receive the final pass
2.
Setup:
Squad is split into two teams. Playing area has 2 end-zones as shown.
Instructions:
Possession with emphasis on final pass into End-Zones:
Teams compete for possession of the ball. Goals are scored by successfully passing to a teammate running into the end zone. Players may not dribble into the endzone – only pass to teammates.
Continuous – 1x8min
Coaching Points:
- Timing and direction of movement to receive penetrating passes
3.
Setup:
A 6v4 is created in a central area of the pitch as shown. If 20 Players present – repeat this setup of 6v4 (10 players) on the opposite half of the pitch.
Instructions:
Possession Game with Emphasis on Final Pass to create scoring chances:
The 6 attacking players must complete 5 passes prior to atempting an attack. Through quick ball circulation and player movement opportunities will arise to play a penetrating pass into space for a runner. If the player runs clear into the attacking zone he has a 1v1 with the goalkeeper and must attempt to score.
Change defensive / attacking players as required.
Continuous – 1×8-10min
Coaching Points:
- Timing, Direction of movement to receive the final pass
- Quick ball circulation is vital
4.
Setup:
A 6v4 is created in a central area of the pitch as shown. 2 Fullbacks are positioned in the outside channels (Extra fullbacks can be positioned in the channels – alternate reps to avoid multiple sprints).
Instructions:
Possession Game with Emphasis on Final Pass to create scoring chances:
The 6 attacking players must complete 5 passes prior to atempting an attack. Through quick ball circulation and player movement opportunities will arise to play a penetrating pass into space for either fullback. Once the ball is played to a fullback; one player from the central area must attack the box to receive a cross from the fullback. Change defensive / attacking players as required.
Continuous – 1x8min
Coaching Points:
- Timing, Direction of movement to receive the final pass
- Fullbacks positioning and timing of their movement is key
- Quick ball circulation is vital
5.
Setup:
A 10v10 is organised in the central area. Goalkeepers in fullsized goals.
Instructions:
Emphasis on Final Pass into attacking zones:
Both teams compete for possession in the central area.
Teams score by releasing one of their players into the attacking zone for a 1v1 with the goalkeeper.
Continuous – 1x8min
Coaching Points:
- Quick ball circulation and movement in tight spaces in the central area – realistic gamelike playing area
- Timing and direction of movement to receive the final pass