CONTROL SHOOTING PASSING DRIBBLING TURNING HEADING CREATE SPACE INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING SUPPORT PLAY GOALKEEPING CROSSING TACKLING THE THROW IN ATTACKING SET PLAYS DEFENDING SET PLAYS THE FREE KICK

SUPPORT PLAY

Please select a subsection from the topics below :

A basic introduction    Support behind the ball   Support Play - Progression

SUPPORT PLAY - PROGRESSION

Click here to watch the video

The development of the first practice takes place in area 30m x20m with target player's (T) positioned at either end.

Organisation

Area: 30m x 20m
Players: 4 Attackers (X), 2 Defenders (O), 2 Targets (T)
Equipment: Footballs, Bibs, Markers.

Practice

T1 plays the ball into any member of team X.

Team X combine, through good passing and support, in order to pass the ball to T2.

T2 then plays into team X and they now combine to pass the ball to T1.

The practice can be conditioned in order to achieve improved performance.

Ball played below head height
Team X cannot pass the ball back to either target player
Off-side applies in the last two squares at either end

Other conditions can be added depending on the competence of the players.

Team X must play two - touch
Team X must play one - touch
Team X have no restrictions in their play

Assess the awareness of X players with regard to;

Team mates
Opposition
Targets Assess the accuracy, timing and weight of pass.

Assess the ability of Team X to switch from playing in one direction to playing in another direction.

The key to effective support play is the ability of the supporting players to be in the right place at the right time. They must be in a position to receive passes at the correct time, in the maximum space available and then take advantage of the situation to advance the play when possible.