Week 36 Quick Combination Play

Instructions/Setup:

This drill focuses on switching the play after a short passing combination, followed by crossing and finishing. The aim is to develop quick decision-making, fluid movement, and the ability to transition the ball across the field efficiently.

Coaching Notes:

• Passing Accuracy – Players should focus on making accurate, well-weighted passes during the short combination phase to ensure the ball is moving effectively across the field. The more precise the pass, the better the chances of successfully switching play.

• Quick Transition – Emphasize the importance of transitioning quickly from one side to the other. Players must move with urgency to get into the right positions to receive and support the ball as it switches.

• Timing of Runs – Timing is crucial for both the player receiving the pass and those making runs into the box. Players need to be aware of when to make their runs to meet crosses and finish with composure.

• Crossing and Finishing – The focus is not just on delivering accurate crosses but also on the attacking players’ positioning and timing to finish with precision. Encourage players to strike the ball early to catch the defense off guard.

Progression 1: Add Defender Pressure

Introduce passive or active defenders to apply pressure on the attacking team. This will force quicker decisions in the passing and crossing phases and develop the ability to handle defensive pressure in real-game scenarios.

Focus: Enhance decision-making and execution under pressure.

Progression 2: Limit Touches

Restrict players to a certain number of touches (e.g., 2 or 3), which will encourage faster ball movement and quicker combination play. This progression helps players improve their ability to execute under tighter time constraints.

Focus: Improve the speed and fluidity of combination play and ball movement.