Technical - Positive Transitions (15 Mins)
Pass & Follow – Forward Moves
A pass-and-follow practice focusing on 1v1 ball manipulation and 2v1 decision-making. Players work in pairs across eight cones with a mannequin in the centre.
Players pass into their partner, receive on the move, dribble towards the mannequin, perform a stepover, and exit past it before passing or dribbling to the next player. One group works vertically, the other horizontally. Groups alternate, then progress to working at the same time. Switch stepover foot after each block.
Organisation:
- 8 cones, 1 mannequin
- Players work in pairs; others queue behind passers
- Area: 40 x 20 yards
- 4 x 3-minute blocks
Progressions:
- Add a feint one way before driving the other
- Run both groups simultaneously to increase traffic and awareness
Coaching Points:
- Pass detail: Play into space so the receiver can step onto the ball
- Body disguise: Sell the move with body weight before changing direction
- Exit touch: Use the laces to push the ball forward, not sideways
Skills - 2v1 Wave Game (15 Mins)
Attacking Wave Game – 2v1 / 3v2
Outfield players start in groups of three at each end of the pitch. The first attack is unopposed, with two attackers progressing into the opposite half to finish.
The last attacker to touch the ball exits and joins the queue by their goal, while the other attacker stays on as a defender. The next wave comes from the opposite end, creating a 2v1. This pattern continues, with roles constantly rotating.
If the goalkeeper saves but the ball stays live, attackers have 6 seconds to score.
Organisation:
- Area: 50 x 25 yards
- 3 x 4-minute blocks
- Equipment: balls, bibs, cones, 2 goals
Progression – 3v2:
Each team has a forward who is always involved in attacks. Play starts with a pass into the forward, followed by two attackers joining to create a 3v2. When the attack ends, that forward exits and the opposite team’s forward enters.
Coaching Points:
- Share or go: Decide quickly whether to pass or dribble based on defender position
- First thought forward: Receive side-on and attack space at speed
- Finish the action: Show composure and quality in front of goal
Positive Transitions - Conditioned Game (15 Mins)
A conditioned small-sided game with a marked middle zone. Each team starts with 3 players in their defensive zone and 3 in their attacking zone. Only the in-possession team’s attackers can receive in the middle zone.
If a team successfully plays into their attacking zone, one defender can step in to create a 4v3 overload. The out-of-possession team looks to win the ball and counter quickly, using a 3v2 or 4v3 advantage. Offside can apply.
Organisation:
- Area: 50 x 25 yards
- Equipment: balls, bibs, cones, 2 goals
- Coach-led restarts
- Rotate player roles between blocks
Coaching Points:
- Play forward: Receive on the back foot to turn and attack quickly
- Look up & communicate: Ball carrier scans; teammates demand the ball
- Feints & stepovers: Disguise passes to create dribbling space
- Patience: Use the overload to recycle possession if forward options are blocked