One‑two passing

Organisation

• The exercise requires 8 outfield players and 2 goalkeepers. 

• Use the full pitch and both goals.

• Set up a ball station on the touchline to the right of each goalkeeper, level with the edge of the penalty area.

• Place a goalkeeper in each goal, a player at each ball station, a supporting attacker in each penalty area and the remaining players in a queue at each end of the imaginary halfway line (as per the graphic).

Explanation 

• The goalkeeper receives a backpass from the player at the ball station and plays a long throw‑out towards the team‑mate positioned at the end of the imaginary halfway line on the opposite flank. This player controls the ball, before playing a one-two with the support player situated in the penalty area and either finishes first‑time or takes a touch to control before finishing. 

• The goalkeepers at either end of the pitch take it in turns to play the throw‑out to alternate the direction of the attacking sequence.

Variations 

• Add a defender into the penalty area to impede the attacking players performing the one‑two.

• Add a second defender into the penalty area to create a 2v2 situation in the final third, simulating a match scenario.

Coaching points

•  Play well‑timed passes.