Running with the ball with awareness and speed

Organisation

• Use a full-size court.

• Divide the court into three zones.

• The middle zone is marked out either side of the halfway line and is 10m in length.

• The overall game is a 5v5, including goalkeepers.

• Create a 2v1 scenario in the first zone. 

• Set up a 1v1 scenario in the middle zone.

• Organise a 1v2 scenario in the third zone.

Explanation

• The goalkeeper starts the play by passing the ball to a team-mate in the first zone.

• The player must try to dribble the ball into the middle zone.

• This creates an overload or a numerical disadvantage (2v1).

• The 2 players then try to progress the ball into the final third (third zone).

• The aim is to score in the opposition goal.

• When progressing play, the ball cannot be played back to a previous zone.

Variations 

• Variation 1: once the ball reaches the final third, an extra player from each team can enter this zone to create a 3v2 or 3v3 situation.

• Variation 2: all attackers can enter the final third.

• Variation 3: all players can enter the final third

Coaching points 

• Emphasis should be placed on ball retention to ensure that a team do not lose their numerical advantage.

• Players should dribble at pace, with purpose and towards the opposition goal at all times to help progress the ball through the thirds effectively.

• Intelligent off-the-ball movement can create and open up space for key passes to be played in attack.

• Player should create passing lines in the final third to help work angles for attempts on goal.

• Ball carriers must follow their pass through and offer a passing option once they progress into the next zone.

• Ball carriers can make a range of forward movements, such as running straight through the middle, running down the wings, making diagonal runs and performing directional changes.