Finishing - 4v2 in the Final Third

  • Author: Ian Knapp
  • Age Group: U9 to U17+
  • Time: 20 minutes
Coaches Download a printable version of this session here...
Introduction:

This halves practice involves combination play from a number of forward players with a view to scoring goals. By setting 4 attackers against 2 defenders, hopefully lots of goalscoring situations can be created. If the players have problems getting into goalscoring positions, a defender can always be moved to the attacking team to play 5 v 1. This practice flows nicely into a match afterwards.


Setup:
  • Split the pitch into 2 halves. Play a totally separate game in each half.
  • Play 4 attackers vs 2 defenders in each half, with a goalkeeper in each goal.
  • Balls located in centre of pitch for either half to use.
  • Attacking team can be set up to mimic different formations - front 3, a lone striker with deeper midfielders, 2 up front etc…
  • In the diagram below, whites are attacking on the left of the pitch, whilst greens are attacking on the right.

Rules:

  • Play starts with one of the attackers playing a ball in from the middle to a team mate.
  • Attacking 4 try to combine to score, with the 2 defenders trying to stop them.
  • As soon as play breaks down and attackers lose the ball, that ball is "dead" and they retrieve another from the centre and go again.
  • 1 point for a shot on target, 3 points for a goal.
  • Once all the balls have been used up, see which half scored the most points. Can call out scores as the game progresses to put the players under game-realistic pressure of the clock ticking down.
  • Switch players round to different roles and go again.

Progressions & Alternatives:
  • If too hard for attackers, switch to 5v1.
  • If too easy, play 3v3.
  • Give defenders a challenge of playing out to the coach on the half way line or into any of 3 mini goals positioned across the half way line.
  • Game can be started with a specific pass to mimic a game scenario - for example into the centre forward with back to goal and under pressure from a defender or out to the winger for a cross.

Coaching Points (FA's 4 Corners):
TechnicalPsychological
  • Move the ball quickly to find the space for a shot.
  • Early shot when keeper and defenders unbalanced.
  • First touch to take the ball where you want it.
  • Look up and pick your spot for your shot (where is the GK? Where are the defenders? Shot placement).
  • Shot type - power / placed / lobbed / chipped / curled / outside of boot / inside of boot / laces.
  • Weight and accuracy of pass to your teammates.
  • Body shape when receiving the pass. Linked to first touch.
  • Follow in shots in case the goalkeeper spills the ball.
  • Unbalance goalkeeper by using your body movement and “fakes".
  • Shots through crowd of bodies when goalkeeper unsighted or through defenders’ legs.
  • Communication (tell your teammate if they have space / time and what to do with the ball - pass / shoot / hold it up etc.)
  • Decision making - type of shot, when to shoot, when to pass.
  • Confidence to try again if a shot is missed or a poor touch is taken.
  • Confidence to try things - different types of finish.
  • Competitiveness - how does the competition against the other half motivate or distract players? Avoid “rushing” things but play with pace still.
Physical
  • Strength to hold off defenders and shield the ball if required.
  • Agility when receiving the ball and getting into shooting positions.
  • Balance when receiving the ball.
  • Speed and pace to get to the ball quickly. Effort levels with regard to that.
  • Working as a team between you to create chances.
  • Encouraging others and not being negative
  • Communication
  • Have fun!

 

Coaches Download a printable version of this session here...