Week 26 Improve Final 3rd Combinations

Instructions/Setup:

This technical practice focuses on improving final third combinations. Set up a 20 by 20-yard area, split into two halves, with 10 players: 4 pairs positioned on each corner and 2 central players in the middle. The central players combine with each other using one-touch passes before playing the ball to the outside runners. The outside runners make forward runs off each pass. With two balls in play, the central players must maintain high spatial awareness, rotating between moving away from the ball to receive and coming short to combine. The goal is to develop quick, effective combinations that can break down defensive lines in the final third.

Coaching Notes:

• One-Touch Passing – Encourage players to execute quick one-touch passes, ensuring the ball moves quickly and the combinations are fluid. This helps simulate game conditions where decisions must be made quickly.

• Movement off the Ball – Emphasize the importance of the central players moving away from the ball to receive and also coming short to combine with their teammates. This helps them create passing lanes and maintain possession in tight areas.

• Timing of Runs – The outside runners must time their runs effectively to receive the ball in stride and attack the space in the final third. Encourage players to move dynamically, making themselves available for a pass at the right time.

• Spatial Awareness – Central players need to be aware of the space around them to make the correct decisions on when to come short and when to move away from the ball. Proper awareness allows them to connect with outside runners effectively and break defensive lines.

Progression 1: Add Defensive Pressure

Introduce a defender or two into the practice to add pressure on the central players. This progression will help develop the players’ ability to execute combinations under pressure and improve their decision-making and accuracy.

Focus: Improve the ability to combine under pressure, maintain composure, and make quicker decisions when defending players are closing down.

Progression 2: Increase Speed of Play

Encourage players to speed up their movements and passes. This progression involves playing the same setup but at a faster pace, forcing players to make faster decisions and execute sharper combinations.

Focus: Improve the speed of passing and movement, allowing the attacking players to execute quick combinations and create goal-scoring opportunities in the final third.