Centre To Wide

Objective

• -Move the ball from central build-up into wide space
• -Show how width helps escape pressure
• -Link the outlet pass to an attack

Setup

1. 1Set up a 34 x 26 yard pitch with wide channel cones on both sides.
2. 2Place a build-up group of four in the middle and two wide receivers near the touchlines.
3. 3Use mini goals at the far end or a target zone for the final action.

How to play

1. 1The ball starts in the middle with a centre back or keeper.
2. 2The team must find a wide player before they can score.
3. 3Pressers start in the central area and try to stop the outward pass.
4. 4Once the wide player receives, the nearest support player joins the attack.
5. 5Restart from the middle after every finish or turnover.

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

• -Forcing the same central route
• -Wide players standing too deep
• -Slow reaction after the first pass