Angle of Attack

Objective

• -Approach the wide area at the right angle
• -Create space for a cross
• -Finish after a cut-back

Setup

1. 1Set up a 30 x 20 yard area with a wide corner channel.
2. 2Place two mini goals inside the box area.
3. 3Start attackers on a cone line about 10 yards from the channel.
4. 4Keep the coach with spare balls near the corner.

How to play

1. 1The attacker dribbles at the cone defender and opens the angle to the wide side.
2. 2They enter the channel and either cross early or drive to the byline.
3. 3A supporting runner attacks the service and tries to score in the mini goal.
4. 4If the attack breaks down, the next player goes straight away.
5. 5Change the starting side halfway through.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Dribbling straight into pressure
• -Crossing from a poor angle
• -No supporting run for the finish