Progressive attacking waves

Organisation

• Use a full court. 

• Place a goalkeeper in each goal.

• Position two teams of four players behind each goal.

Explanation

• The exercise starts with one of the two goalkeepers throwing the ball out to an attacking player, who tries to score in the opposite goal.

• Regardless of whether the attempt on goal is successful, the attacking player, who remains on the pitch and now becomes a defender, is joined by two attacking players from the opposing team to create a 2v1 scenario. 

• The goalkeeper at the opposite end of the pitch from where the exercise started throws the ball out to one of the two attacking players, who attack the opposite goal.

• Once the 2v1 sequence is over, another player enters the pitch to create a 2v2 scenario and the direction of the attack switches to the opposite end. 

• The exercise continues with a 3v2,3v3,3v4 and ends with a 4v4.

• Once the exercise progresses into a 4v4 end-to-end game, it is restarted.

Coaching points

• Out-of-possession players should look to create good passing lanes for the ball carrier.

• Take good care of the ball when in possession. 

• Look to open the court up by playing in wide areas.

• Focus on the speed of the counter-attack and identify when to speed play up and when to slow it down.

• Ensure that the size of the exercise area is appropriate to the age and ability of the players.