Wide Channel 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 38 x 32 yards area.
2. 2Mark five-yard channels down both touchlines with flat cones.
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 practice is started by a pass into one of the wide channels.
5. 5End actions only count when the ball has travelled through a wide channel first.

Progressions

• +Defender allowed into the channel to make it live
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Channel is a free zone with no defender at all
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch the ball to the far channel before the end action
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Set pass too soft
• -Runner waiting for the ball
• -Everything funnelling into a crowded middle