Week 73 Front 2 Link & Finish

Instructions/Setup:

In this unopposed finishing practice, two centre forwards operate inside an 8x8 yard grid positioned just outside the penalty area. Two central midfielders serve continuous passes into the grid, where the forwards must combine quickly before finishing on goal.

The key rule is that both centre forwards are restricted to only one touch each. This constraint encourages sharp movement, precise positioning, and intelligent combination play to create one-touch finishing opportunities inside the box.

Coaching Notes:

• Body Shape When Receiving – Forwards must constantly adjust their body to receive at the correct angle, allowing them to redirect or lay off the ball effectively.

• Movement Off the Ball – Players should rotate, check away, and time their runs to ensure they're never static and are always offering an option for a first-time combination.

• One-Touch Combinations – Focus on disguised flicks, lay-offs, and wall passes with the correct weight and direction to create space for the partner.

• Finishing Variety – Encourage different types of one-touch finishes: near-post, far-post, lifted finishes, and firm drives—always with quality and quick decision-making.

Progression 1: Add Rotating Defender in Grid

Introduce a passive or semi-active defender inside the grid to apply light pressure and test the forwards' ability to combine under more realistic pressure.

Focus:

Sharpens awareness, off-the-ball movement, and the ability to find space and deliver quality with limited touches under defensive presence.

Progression 2: Increase Grid Size and Add Third Midfielder

Expand the grid to 10x10 yards and allow a third midfielder to enter, supporting from deep for central overloads and late supporting combinations before finishing.

Focus:

Improves spatial awareness, timing of support runs, and adds an extra layer of combination options for more dynamic one-touch attacking patterns.