Wing Pair Links

Objective

• -Use two players to work the wing
• -Create overlap or underlap options
• -Cross after quick combination play

Setup

1. 1Make a 30 x 30 yard square with a wide lane on one side.
2. 2Place a mini goal at the far end for the finish.
3. 3Set up pairs on the wing and two neutral players inside.
4. 4Keep spare balls with the coach beside the lane.

How to play

1. 1The first winger receives and plays to the support player.
2. 2The support player either overlaps, underlaps or stays for a wall pass.
3. 3Once the pair breaks through, the wide player crosses or cuts back.
4. 4A finisher attacks the cross and tries to score in the mini goal.
5. 5Change the pair after each attack so everyone gets both roles.

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

• -Both players standing flat
• -Trying to dribble through every time
• -Crossing without a target