Underload Near Post Glide

Objective

• -Attack the near post with conviction
• -Redirect fast service into the goal
• -Coach the movement that loses a marker

Setup

1. 1A near-post run channel marked with two cones in a 28 x 22 yards area.
2. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
3. 3Balls with the wide server, keeper in goal.

How to play

1. 1Server drives the ball low across the six-yard box.
2. 2Striker times a bent run to meet it at the near post.
3. 3Second striker holds the back post for anything missed.
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

• -Standing on the goal line
• -Trying to power a fast ball
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early