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Attacking exercises

Attacking practices work on creating and using numerical advantages, combining in tight spaces and delivering the final pass or cross.

Always finish with a shot or a target so players connect their decisions with scoring.

9 exercises

  • Circuit

    Finishing After a Wall Pass

    A one-two with a wall player at the edge of the box, around a mannequin, followed by a first-time finish against a goalkeeper.

    Age
    U11–​Senior
    Players
    6–12
    Duration
    15 min

    IntermediateIntermediateFinishing

  • Waves

    2v1 Overload to Goal

    Two attackers against one defender and a goalkeeper. The ball carrier must commit the defender, then decide: pass, or keep going and shoot.

    Age
    U9–​Senior
    Players
    6–12
    Duration
    15 min

    BeginnerGlobal2v1

  • Circuit

    Y-Passing Drill with Third-Man Run

    A Y-shaped passing pattern: pass into the striker, lay-off to a wide player, and a forward pass into the run of the first player — the third man.

    Age
    U11–​Senior
    Players
    6–10
    Duration
    15 min

    IntermediateAnalyticalPassing

  • Waves

    3v2 to 2v1 Counter-Attack Waves

    Three attackers attack two defenders. As soon as the attack ends, the two defenders counter-attack the other goal against the one attacker who took the shot.

    Age
    U11–​Senior
    Players
    9–15
    Duration
    18 min

    IntermediateGlobalTransition

  • Waves

    Crossing and Finishing: Near Post, Far Post

    A winger dribbles down the line and crosses while three attackers attack the near post, the far post and the edge of the six-yard box — then the penalty spot.

    Age
    U13–​Senior
    Players
    8–14
    Duration
    20 min

    IntermediateIntermediateFinishing

  • Positional game

    Possession Game to End Zones

    5v5 where a team scores by receiving a pass inside the opponents' end zone. Players learn to combine possession with well-timed forward runs.

    Age
    U11–​Senior
    Players
    10–14
    Duration
    18 min

    IntermediateGlobalPossession

  • Match

    6v6 Match with Wide Neutrals

    6v6 with goalkeepers and a neutral in each wide lane who always plays with the team in possession. Only the neutrals can use the lanes; goals from their crosses count double.

    Age
    U11–​Senior
    Players
    14–16
    Duration
    20 min

    IntermediateGlobalSmall-Sided Games

  • Waves

    Corner Kick: Near-Post Flick-On Routine

    An in-swinging corner to the near post, where a runner flicks the ball on to a teammate attacking the far post. Four players, four clear jobs.

    Age
    U13–​Senior
    Players
    10–16
    Duration
    20 min

    IntermediateIntermediateSet Pieces

  • Match

    Match: Goals Only from Crosses

    Match with goalkeepers where a goal only counts if it comes from a cross played from one of the two wide crossing zones. Headers and volleys count double.

    Age
    U13–​Senior
    Players
    12–16
    Duration
    20 min

    IntermediateGlobalSmall-Sided Games

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