Week *2 3-4-3 Diamond Technical Passing

Instructions/Setup:

This technical practice takes place in a 20 by 25-yard area and focuses on developing passing combinations in a 3-4-3 diamond setup.

The drill begins with the right centre back on the ball, passing it to the centre back. The centre back then passes inside to the central midfielder, who plays the ball out to the left centre back. Next, the left centre back plays a 1-2 set with the left midfielder before passing directly through to the striker. The striker sets the ball back for the midfielder, who then plays it across to the striker. The striker takes a touch and passes the ball back to the starting station. Players follow their pass to the next station.

Coaching Notes:

• Passing and Movement: Emphasize the importance of quick, accurate passes with good timing. Players should be aware of the spacing and their positioning in relation to the ball. Encourage forward movement to create passing lanes.

• 1-2 Combinations: Focus on the sharpness and timing of the 1-2 passes, ensuring that players don't overrun the ball and that they create angles to receive the return pass effectively.

• Decision Making: Players need to focus on playing the ball at the right tempo and recognize when to play short or long passes based on the situation. Encourage players to scan the field before receiving the ball.

• Striker Involvement: The striker should focus on making intelligent runs to receive the ball and should aim to quickly set up the midfielder to maintain the flow of the passing combination.

Progression 1: Add Pressure:

Introduce passive defenders in the middle zone to apply pressure, forcing the players to move the ball more quickly and adjust their passing decisions under pressure.

Focus: Speed of play, accuracy under pressure, and the ability to maintain possession.

Progression 2: Include a Finish:

After the final pass from the midfielder to the striker, have the striker attempt to finish on goal rather than passing it back to the start station. This adds a finishing element to the drill.

Focus: Precision in finishing, maintaining composure in attacking situations, and continuing the movement from the build-up.