Wing Run Finish

Objective

• -Attack down the side
• -Deliver from wide areas
• -Time runs into the box

Setup

1. 1Mark a wide channel on one side of a 35 x 25 yard pitch.
2. 2Set a mini goal or cone goal near the far end inside the channel.
3. 3Split players into wide runners, support players and finishers.

How to play

1. 1A wide player starts with the ball and attacks down the touchline.
2. 2A support player makes an overlap or underlap run to help create space.
3. 3The wide player crosses or passes across the box for a runner to finish.
4. 4After the attack, the next group starts from the opposite side.
5. 5Rotate roles so everyone works as crosser, runner and finisher.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Crossing too early without support
• -Standing flat in the box
• -Poor weight on the final pass