Combo And Hit

Objective

• -Link short combinations before finishing
• -Improve support play around the box
• -Create quality shooting chances from passes

Setup

1. 1Set a central lane leading to a full-size goal.
2. 2Use two cone stations on either side of the lane.
3. 3Place two attackers and one feeder at the start of the pattern.
4. 4Keep a goalkeeper if possible.

How to play

1. 1The first attacker plays a short pass into the support player.
2. 2The support player returns or sets the ball into space.
3. 3The third player runs onto it and shoots at goal.
4. 4After each attack, players rotate through each role.
5. 5Keep both sides active so the pattern works from left and right.

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

• -Passing and standing still
• -Forcing the shot from a bad angle
• -Poor timing of the supporting run