Combination play with decision making: cross or wall pass

Goal

Automate a combination move through to the cross and the finish, with good timing of arrival and the 8 deciding between the two wings.

Description

Five positions in the final third against a goalkeeper: 6 (holding midfielder), 7 (right winger), 8 (central midfielder), 9 (striker) and 11 (left winger). Before receiving, each player does an activation action: the 6 dribbles in zigzag, the 7 does a feint and jumps a hurdle, the 8 does a feint, the 9 jumps a hurdle and the 11 does skipping. First option: the 6 passes to the 7, the 7 to the 9, the 9 lays it off facing the 8 and the 8 opens it to the 7, who has moved wide and crosses. The 9 arrives at the near post and the 11 at the far post, while the 6 and the 8 stay outside the box for the rebound. Second option: the 8 opens it to the 11 instead of the 7, the 11 crosses and the 9 and the 7 arrive. Work at a high tempo with enough rest between moves.

Step by step

1. 1

   The 6 dribbles in zigzag between the cones.

2. 2

   The 6 passes to the 7.

3. 3

   The 7 passes to the 9.

4. 4

   The 9 lays it off facing the 8 and the 7 moves wide.

   1. 4.1 The 9 to the 8.
   2. 4.2 The 7 wide.
5. 5

   The 8 opens it to the 7 on the wing.

6. 6

   The 9 attacks the near post, the 11 the far post and the 6 goes for the rebound.

7. 7

   The 7 crosses.

8. 8

   The 9 finishes.

Rules

Each move starts when the 6 sets off with the ball. Two players must arrive in the box and two for the rebound. Play one or two touches. First-time goal: 2 points; any other goal: 1. Between moves, a minute and a half so everyone is ready to go flat out.

Equipment

• 2 hurdles
• 3 cones
• Balls
• 1 goal

Physical focus

Recommended times by goal

• Technical: 3 × 5' · rest 4' · High intensityOrientativo

Rotation and restart

Everyone goes through every position: the 6 moves to the 7, the 7 to the 9, the 9 to the 11, the 11 to the 8 and the 8 to the 6.

Coaching points

• Quick ball: one or two touches.
• Arrive in the box when the ball leaves the crosser's foot, not before.
• The 8 decides: look at both wings before receiving.
• Everyone to their spot: near post, far post and rebound.

Common mistakes

• The finishers arrive before the cross and end up standing still.

  How to correct: Wait outside the box and set off when the winger prepares the cross.

• Two players attack the same post.

  How to correct: The 9 always goes to the near post and the player coming from the opposite wing to the far post.

• Slow passes that break the rhythm of the move.

  How to correct: Firm pass to feet and support with the body facing the passer.

Questions for the players

• “When do you set off to arrive at the finish on time?”
• “8, what do you look at to choose the wing?”

Levels

• A · easyOnly the first option, no hurdles or feints, and free touches.
• B · standardFive minutes of each option and five minutes combining the two.
• C · advancedA defender next to the 9 who steps in when the 8 receives: the 8 chooses the free wing.

If you have fewer or more players

• With 5 fewer: Without the 11: the 8 arrives at the far post. (Four positions + goalkeeper)
• With more: A line at each position; with more than 15, the same move on the left side. (Five positions with lines)
• With odd numbers: The extra player waits in the 6's line.

Age

Variations

• Left side. The same move in mirror image: the 8 plays as the 10 and the move goes down the left.
• With defenders. Two defenders in the box who come out when the ball reaches the winger.