From static to attacking with pace

Work on the players improving their timing and realignment by forcing them to begin a phase of play from a static start. They have to adjust quickly and attack with pace.

Though many exercises start from a static position, you want to emphasise the stationary position for this drill. This will activate the minds more so because the players will be thinking ahead.

EXERCISE

1. Put four attackers between a set of cones.
2. They have to stand with their feet close together facing down the pitch.
3. Shout out which gate of cones they have to run to (they are all of different widths).

1. One player becomes the feeder and the other players have to realign to take and give a pass to go through that gate.

DEVELOPMENTS

• Move the gates around and increase the distances apart.
• Use one or two defenders to focus on closing down the first and second player in each group.

GAME SITUATION

1. Put five attackers at the end of the box.
2. Shout out which ball to attack from.
3. At the same time, three defenders run around one of the cones at the side of the box and close down the attackers.
4. The attack has to pick up and score at the far end without the ball carrier being two-hand touched by one of the defenders.

TECHNIQUE

• Scan, think, then move. Where are they likely to receive the ball and when.
• Move into position, then wait for the inside man before they move again.
• Inside players, don’t use up the space between the attack and defence. Attack the ball hard, but pass early.