4v4 finishing waves: Attacking with depth or width

The intention: What is practised?
This attack vs defence game works on typical scenarios where four attackers become active on the edge of the penalty area and in front of an isolated back-four. The attacking unit must use two-player combinations and movement to create space for themselves and their team-mates to break down the defensive line and create chances. The attacking group of players must collectively perform short movements, especially when passing and moving, that enhance fluidity in attack to obtain depth. Combining and timing actions such as passing into wide players and then moving beyond the defensive line can create space for others to carry the ball or move into. 

The scale: For whom is this relevant? 
This game revolves around the unit scale, focusing on the attacking frontline and the defensive backline. The attack vs defence game is particularly relevant to advancing midfielders and wingers in an offensive transition. The attacking unit hones collective and individual actions with a wide player stretching the defence and central players making runs between defenders. The defensive unit resembles two centre-backs and two full-backs quickly reorganising their structure and closing down the attacking team.  

The practice type: How is the practice designed? 
This practice involves an attack vs defence game with play focused in and around the penalty area. Narrowing the playing field’s width to that of the penalty area recreates a match scenario where defenders are protecting their own box. The reduced pitch also encourages attackers to work toward the goal rather than out wide. Lastly, enforcing a three-second time limit adds an element of urgency to the attack and poses a quick decision for the players on the most efficient way to score. The game is not position-specific as all players are exposed to attacking and defending situations. 

Organisation

• Mark out a 40x35m pitch with two 10m wide channels, 2 full-size goals and 2 goalkeepers at either end. 

• Split the group into 2 teams of 8 and position 2 players from each team inside each wide channel. 

Explanation

• 2 blue players enter the pitch with the ball and 2 orange players enter from the other side to make a 2v2. 

• If possible, the blue players must try to score inside 3 seconds. 

• If they cannot score, they must use the blue players in the wide channels and start a 4v4. 

• They must combine and try to score, whilst the orange team tries to win the ball back with the help of their wide players. 

• If a team scores or the ball goes out of play, the attack ends and 2 new players from that team enter the field and 2 players exit. 

• Goalkeepers can be passed to but are limited to 3 touches. 

Key coaching points

Roles of coaches

• First coach: leads the session and intervenes to encourage the players to make different types of movement.

• Second coach: offers the players encouragement from their position beside one of the goals.

• Third coach: offers the players encouragement from their position beside the opposite goal to the second coach.