Midfield Combinations

Set Up:

The player at the top of the large triangle (Player 1) begins play with a pass into the player at the top of the small triangle (Player 4). From there, Players 4, 5, and 6 combine to send one of the outside players (Players 2 or 3) thru to the other side of the field. Upon completion, the players rotate to open cones in order to re-form the triangles, and the direction of play reverses. Possible combinations: Up, Back, and Thru, the Wall Pass, the Overlap, etc.

Coaching Points:

1.  Timing the runs - Hold the run until the combination develops. Extra touches will slow play down.

2.  Technique - Using more than one or two touches will result in a breakdown of the play.

3.  Verbal and Visual Cues - Make supporting runs early and communicate early as well.

Progressions/Regressions:

1.    Progression 1 - Set up goals at both ends, run the same combinations with a finish on goal.

Set Up:

Player 1 begins play with a pass in to any of the three central midfielders - Players 2, 3 and 4. From there, the central mids combine to send one of the outside midfielders - Player 5 or 6 -  thru to goal. After the finish, the shooter goes to the passing line and the central midfielders re-form their triangle. Play can then re-start in the other direction. Also, the player who started the sequence  - Player 1 in the diagram - rotates to the empty space on the flank to become an outside midfielder.

Coaching Points:

1.  Timing the runs – The outside mids must time their run based on the quality of passing in the center of the field.

2.  Supporting Runs – Central mids must anticipate play and drop into the space behind the ball.

3.  Verbal and Visual Cues - Combinations have to be communicated early. Players need to take charge and make commands.

Progressions/Regressions:

1.  Add defenders, play 3 v 1 in the center and pass into a 1 v 1 to goal.

Set Up:

Play begins with a pass from Player 1 into any of the three attackers in the central zone (Players 2, 3, and 4). From there the attackers play 3v1, and combine to send a flank attacker (Player 5 or 6) into the zone to try and finish 1v1. Upon completion, play re-starts in the opposite direction.

Coaching Points:

1.  Timing the runs - Hold the run until the combination develops.  

2.  Verbal and Visual Cues - Combinations have to be communicated early so that all of the attackers can read the play.

3.  Finishing - Get a touch on the thru pass as early as possible rather than letting it run towards the defender.  

Progressions/Regressions:

Progression 1 – Progress to 2v1 to 5v3 to 2v2

Set Up:

On a field split into three zones, the players are 2v1 in the defending zone, 3v3 plus two in the central zone, and 1v2 in the attacking zone. Players in the attacking and defending zones must stay in that zone during play. When the ball is played in from the central zone into the attacking zone, ANY attacker (including the two neutrals) can cross over with the pass to create the 2v2.

Coaching Points:

1.  Spacing – Expand the space in all of the zones and force the defenders to chase.

2.  The Thru Pass – Look for the thru pass when play moves horizontally, either with the dribble or with a passing combination.

3.  Speed of Play – When the defenders chase, move the ball faster than they can recover. Play one and two touch soccer.

Progressions/Regressions:

Progression 1 – Two attackers cross over into the attacking zone, creating a 3v2.

Set Up:

Two teams play on a field a bit smaller than a full field - penalty area width and one end line moved up to the edge of one penalty area. The length of the game is 30-40 minutes and play is continuous, meaning no stoppages by the coaching staff to instruct. If the coach desires, he can use two minutes at the halfway point to water break and to give very brief instructions, something pertaining to the coaching topic for the practice.

The two teams should not let the other team know what formation that they are playing, and they should try to run a formation that is different from that of the other team. Once the game has started, it is up to the players to sort out the other teams' attacking and defending shapes.

Coaching Points:

NONE!

Progressions:

1.  Extend the width of the field out to the sidelines. Allow teams to make changes in positions and/or formations during that short break. 

2.  The coach can move players or groups of players to create the desired match ups. For example, starting back line versus starting strikers.