4-2-3-1: attacking depth

Drill for the 4-2-3-1 lineup to attack depth through the winger

Goal:

Depth

Soccer Tactics

Lineup

1 goal
4 mannequins (or posts)
Balls

Preparation

Playing Area: half field
Players: 8 + 1 goalkeeper
Duration: 15 minutes
Series: 1

Summary

Drill for the 4-2-3-1 lineup to attack depth through the winger

Secondary Objectives

Pass, Losing your marker, Finishing, 4-2-3-1, Attack the goal, Attacking build up patterns, Cut, Insertion, Threaded pass, defense splitting pass, Depth, Passing, Creating space, Shooting, Finishing in the final third, Attacking Principles, Diagonal runs

Organization

Place the four mannequins 5 meters from the edge of the penalty area, forming an imaginary 4-man line. Line up the team in a 4-2-3-1 lineup, without the two center backs. The goalkeeper defends the goal.

Description

The goal of the drill is to synchronize the movements of the attacking players in order to capitalize on the winger’s run onto the through ball played by the winger in possession.

Central midfielder A starts the play by passing to winger B, who receives the ball wide
B dribbles the ball towards the inside of the field, aiming for the central area to draw the defense. This move signals his teammates to make insertions:
- The center forward (D) makes a “half-moon” run, cutting in front of the opposing center back to attack the near post
- The attacking midfielder (E) initially runs wide to create space before cutting toward the far post
Winger C accelerates behind the mannequin (the opposing center back) and cuts inside. B plays a through ball into the space for C, who shoots on goal
Players D and E finish the play, positioned to intercept the ball or a potential save by the goalkeeper

The action is performed alternately on both sides, with movements to the right and to the left

Variations

Replace the mannequins with four passive defenders
Active defenders who can intercept, but who must remain outside the box to ensure space for depth attacks

Coaching Points

Player C must begin their run only when player B has the ball in open space and is looking toward the center. It is essential to stay behind the offside line (the mannequins)
Ensure that the near post (D) and far post (E) are always occupied to provide alternative options if the through ball is intercepted or blocked
B’s pass must have the right “spin” and power to clear the line of the mannequins without ending up in the goalkeeper’s arms
Once the ball is received in the heart of the box, the shot must be taken immediately

Difficulty:

Category:

Age: