14-4 5v5 attack v. defence: Breaking through the press to finish - FIFA Training Centre

The wheel symbolises the game, with each segment representing a specific aspect of it. The lightly coloured segments are included in the practice. The darkly coloured segments are emphasised. Lastly, the grey segments represent areas that are not practised.

The intention: What is practised?
This attack v. defence exercise works on breaking through a compact press in central areas in front of the penalty area by using width when operating with two attackers in central areas. The exercise focuses on unit level aspects, such as quickly identifying gaps in central areas to play into with a view to creating space in wide areas in the next part of the move. The unit are asked to use their 3-2 structure and to create width to pull defenders out of central areas and free up space on the inside for team-mates to make clever off-the-ball movement that allows them to combine. Players are also challenged to perform three-player combinations that get their team into crossing positions or in behind the defence.

The scale: For whom is this relevant?
This drill revolves around the unit scale and focuses on beating the first line of the defensive block by playing quick passes and using width. The exercise is particularly relevant to a team that stay wide and operate with two central attackers with a view to breaking down an opposing side that adopt a compact shape on the edge of the penalty area. Within the 3-2 formation, one of the attacking-team players operates in a slightly deeper position and circulates the ball to try to work a passing angle for a pass that can break the defensive line and open up the attack. The 4v3 phase of the exercise replicates the moment an attacking team have eliminated a defender by pulling them out of position to create an attacking overload. The exercise is position-specific, with players asked to perform actions that are associated with their position, e.g. holding a wide position and make runs in behind.

The practice type: How is the practice designed?
This exercise involves an attack v. defence game played on a reduced-sized pitch that features a full-size goal at one end of the exercise area. The drill simulates an attacking team being tasked with breaking down two defensive lines to progress into the final third. The attacking team are asked to maintain good width, while the defending-team are asked to stay compact. Progressing play beyond the halfway line acts as the trigger that initiates the 4v3 attacking overload scenario, in which attacking players challenged to take advantage of the numerical advantage. The mini-goals encourage the defending team to counter-attack at pace and provide direction to their play.

If the oranges advance play past the halfway line, a 4v3 scenario is created in favor of the attacking team.

Organisation

Mark out a 30m x 40m exercise area featuring a halfway line.
Position a full-size goal at one end of the exercise area and place a goalkeeper in it.
Position 2 mini-goals at the opposite end of the exercise area and facing the full-size goal.
Split the players into 2 teams of 5 (attack v. defence).
Set both teams up in a 3-2 formation.

Explanation

The oranges attack towards the full-size goal.
The blues defend the full-size goal and apply a high press.
If the oranges manage to progress play beyond the halfway line, a 4v3 scenario is triggered in favour of the attacking team.
If the blues win the ball, they try to pass it into either of the mini-goals.
The offside rule applies to both teams.

Key coaching points

(1/4) When the first line of the defensive block is narrow and denies progression through the centre, the attacking team should look to play around the opposition shape. Wide players should make full use of the available space to help break the first line.

(2/4) The attacking team should avoid forcing passes into congested central areas and instead exploit the space out wide.

(3/4) If gaps do open between the two players on the first defensive line, attacking players should be quick to identify opportunities to break lines by playing through the opposition's shape, which can in turn open spaces out wide.

(4/4) The attacking team should also look to break lines by playing over the opposition, using lofted passes to team-mates making well-timed runs in behind.

Roles of coaches

First coach: explains the rules and objectives of the exercise and takes up a position on one of the sides of the exercise area, from where they coach the players.
Second coach: feeds balls into the players from their position at the side of the exercise area.
Third coach: takes up a position beside the full-size goal, from where they help the defensive team to adopt a good shape.