Underload Central Combination Attack

Objective

• -Combine centrally to open the defence
• -Use one-twos and set-backs in tight areas
• -Finish quickly after the combination

Setup

1. 1A central attacking zone in front of goal with three feeder cones in a 30 x 24 yards area.
2. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
3. 3Balls at the feeder cones, keeper in goal.

How to play

1. 1Midfielder plays into the striker who sets it back.
2. 2A one-two releases a runner into the box.
3. 3Finish first time wherever possible.
4. 4The attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Progressions

• +Add a second extra defender
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Even the numbers up again
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Attackers get one 'free pass' per round they can call
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Set pass too soft
• -Runner waiting for the ball
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early