Passes between defenders with a final 2 v 2 situation

Defensive ball movement with overlapping runs, followed by a 2 v 2 situation for the final shot

Goal:

Passing

Soccer Tactics

Equipment

1 goal
2 cones
Balls

Preparation

Playing Area: 60x45 meters / 66x49 yds
Players: at least 8 + 1 goalkeeper
Duration: 18 minutes
Series: 2 of 8 minutes each with 2 minutes of recovery

Passes between defenders with a final 2 v 2 situation

Summary

Defensive ball movement with overlapping runs, followed by a 2 v 2 situation for the final shot

Organization

For this drill, use half of a standard pitch. Place two cones 25 meters/27 yards from the penalty area in a straight line with the two corners of the area (as shown in the picture). Four defenders line up at the edge of the penalty area, forming a 4-man line: right fullback (A), right center defender (B), left center defender (C), and left fullback (D). The other four players wait off the field for their turn. A goalkeeper, in possession of the ball, defends the goal.

Description

The drill involves a series of passes among the four defensive players, based on the principle of back play: passing forward, passing back to relieve pressure, and looking for the third man.

Example of the sequence:

The play begins with the goalkeeper passing the ball to one of the fullbacks (in this example A, who moves into position to receive it)
Right fullback A passes the ball to the nearest center defender B
B returns the ball with a one-two
Right fullback A plays the ball to the farthest left center back C
C plays the ball to B, who has moved up to support
B plays the ball to left fullback D as he runs forward
At the same time, left center back C (closest to D) unmarks with an overlapping run along the sideline. On the opposite flank, right fullback A—who initiated the passing sequence earlier—sprints toward the cone in front of him. A and C get past the cones by circling around them, then cut inside and attack the goal. D passes the ball to C, setting up a 2v2 final situation for a shot on goal. Players A and C become attackers and face defenders B and D

Once the drill is complete, the next four players take the field to start over with the same sequence of exercises.

Rules

At the end of the first series, reverse the passing sequence, starting with left fullback D and overlapping on the opposite side
Execute the passing sequence with the defenders moving forward slightly rather than standing still, aiming to play two-touch passes (receiving and passing)
In the final 2v2 situation, players are allowed to use as many touches as they need
If the two defenders win the ball, they must pass it to the goalkeeper to end the play

Coaching Points

Focus on the technical execution of the pass, ensuring quality and intensity when playing into open space
Focus on the movement to provide support, executed at the right time and in the correct area to anticipate the next play to the third player in the sequence
The movement to attack the cones (overlapping) must be executed at the right time and at maximum speed
In the final 2v2 situation, focus on individual defensive tactics and individual offensive tactics

Difficulty:

Category:

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