Information Section
We were struggling to time our runs forward in matches and all too often, players were waiting for the pass to dictate their run. We used this practice to get the players making well timed, dynamic runs from deep that made the passer's job much more obvious:find that runner with a nicely weighted pass! You'll notice that I felt the need to intervene and demand greater concentration and focus when played through on goal. The players responded well.
Jack
Coaching Points
* Players need to play quickly and switch the play to move the defenders around.
* Runs which break the lines need to be well-timed and preferably from deep so their run is clearly visible, beats the offside trap and allows the runner to get up to speed.
* A trigger for a 3rd man run can be a forward pass set back. The player moving onto the ball can then see the runner and the ball ahead of them.
* The 3rd man run should make the pass clear and obvious.
* The through ball needs to be played with enough pace to beat defenders and allow the runner to maintain their flow and movement.
* Speed of play is encouraged – even if it means some mistakes happen.
* Once through on goal, players should be decisive. If a pass to a team-mate is on and offers a better chance of scoring, they should play it.
* Players need to be constantly scanning for space ahead of them and recognise when to up their tempo and move up a zone. Once the ball is played forward, teams move up quickly to support.
* The practice tests concentration, fitness, dynamic movements and team coordination.
