Shadow Play (continued)
This exercise is all about players being positionally alert when their goalkeeper kicks a long ball from his hands.
In the diagram goalkeeper (G) advances and volleys a long ball towards the target man (9).
Good delivery from (G) (as opposed to a very high kick which would normally give the opposing defenders a better chance of winning the ball) is important - aimed at (9).
WITH NO OPPOSITION THIS SHOULDN'T BE DIFFICULT AND GIVES PRACTICE TO (G)
As the ball arrives at (9): - if head height he could
a) Flick the ball on, so (7) and (10) should be ready to run on to that (as in diagram). If head or chest height he could
b) lay the ball back short to (8) who would collect and continue the practice setting up the play as in previous exercises.
c) Play it first time wider towards (4) who would control then set up a right flank attack
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL OTHER PLAYERS REACT;- e.g.
1) The defence moves forward quickly, so that the team moves forward as a unit.
2) The midfield players (4) and (8) are alert to support the attackers (9), (7), and (10).
3) Wide players (11) and (7), could come into play quite easily once (4) and (8) receive the ball.
