Practice 2: Middle-third combinations

Why use it

Develop players’ awareness and understanding of middle-third combination play, providing an opportunity to practice combinations unopposed.

Set up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Divide players into groups of six where possible, setting out cones as shown.

How to play

The first player (winger/wing-back) passes to a central midfielder, who moves away from their cone to receive and set the ball back. The winger/wing-back then switches play to the opposite winger/wing-back, who moves infield towards the ball to receive. They set back to the midfielder who plays into the striker’s feet. The striker sets back for the winger, who plays a one-two back to the striker into space.

Progressions/adaptations

Players must play one-touch.

Coaching points

Encourage players to make dynamic movements before receiving the ball. This should be two movements – one away and one towards, or vice versa. Encourage players to scan before receiving the ball.