RUNNING WITH THE BALL (Central)
Diagram 1
Area
50 metres x 30 metres, with 2 end sections 10 metres wide x 30 metres at both ends (marked AREA 1 and AREA 2 in the diagram)
To start the practice: -
In Area 1: 2 defenders and 4 attackers with 1 ball
In Area 2: 2 defenders and 3 attackers
The exercise is for the 4 attackers in Area 1 to string 5 passes together, and once they have done that ONE of them in possession has to break from the Area 1 to join the group of 3 v 2 in Area 2.
It is up to the defenders to try and prevent the attackers putting 5 passes together, and also to stop one of the attackers breaking out once the 5 passes are made.
Once arriving at Area 2, (he joins the 3 attackers there) he makes it 4 v 2 again and so the practice continues.
THE COACH MUST ENSURE GOOD QUICK PASSING (first time whenever possible), A QUICK BREAK ACROSS THE CENTRAL 30 Metres (3 touches maximum) and a speedy movement of the ball once in the opposite area.
To try and achieve this the coach can bring a defender into play as soon as there is a break from Area 1 or Area 2.
In the diagram, the defender (E) comes in from the touchline to ensure attacker (2) moves quickly across the central area. Defender (E) must not move until the break is made and he must start off from the touchline as in the diagram.
An extra attacker (8) can be brought on if necessary. He comes on with defender (E) to make a 2 v 1 situation in the central area.
COACHES SHOULD ENSURE THERE IS GOOD MOVEMENT IN BOTH AREAS ONCE THE PRACTICE HAS STARTED i.e. defenders should be alert waiting as an attacker is moving across the central zone towards their area. They must try and prevent an easy 5 passes for the attackers. Attackers must manoeuvre across their area making it difficult for the defenders to mark, and get the ball.
Players can be rotated as necessary, and extra players brought in when necessary.
