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CircuitAttacking

Striker Double Movement and Finish

The striker checks towards the ball, then spins in behind two mannequins (the centre-backs) to receive a through pass and finish. A pattern to teach the timing of runs in behind.

Age
U13–Senior
Players
5–12
Duration
15 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Intensity
Medium
Area
30 × 25 m
Type
Technical
Approach
Intermediate
Format
Circuit
Objectives
  • Technical: Finishing
  • Tactical: Combination play
Concepts worked on

Training diagram

Diagram of the exercise “Striker Double Movement and Finish”25 × 30 m · 2 × Attacker · 1 × Goalkeeper122312

Legend

  • Attacker
  • Goalkeeper
  • Pass
  • Run without ball
  • Shot
  • Ball
  • Cone
  • Goal
  • Mannequin

Defenders read a single straight run easily. The double movement — first towards the ball to bring the defender forward, then away into the space behind — creates the half-metre the striker needs. The passer learns to play the ball as the striker turns, not when they are already running.

Objective

Use a double movement to get away from a centre-back and time the run with the pass.

Organisation

  • Two mannequins side by side 12 m from goal (the centre-backs). Striker starts level with them. Passer 13 m behind with balls. Goalkeeper in goal.

How it works

  1. Striker checks 3 m towards the passer, then spins and runs in behind on either side of the mannequins.
  2. Passer plays the through ball into the space as the striker spins.
  3. Finish in one or two touches. 8 runs, then swap roles.

Coaching points

  • Check with intent so the defender would follow.
  • Spin on the outside foot and attack the space, not the ball.
  • Stay onside: run across the line before going in behind.
  • Passer: weight the pass so the striker does not have to slow down.

Progressions

  • Replace one mannequin with a live defender.
  • Passer receives from a third player first.

Regressions

  • No mannequins; focus on the timing.

Variations

  • Run to the near-post side for a cutback from the passer.

Key principles

  • Come short to go long.

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