Practice: Playing forward under pressure

Why use it

Works on forward decision-making around when and how to execute the forward ball.

Set up

Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Divide players into two teams of five or six players. Mark out three zones: build-up, midfield, attacking third, and place a goal at each end with a goalkeeper.

How to play

All players except the goalkeepers start in the midfield third. Teams must connect at least four successful passes before the ball can be played into the final third for a runner to receive. Once in the final third, a defender can chase back.

Progressions/adaptations

To make the practice easier:

• Allow dribbling into final third
• Add neutral players for overloads

To make the practice harder:

• Limit touches in midfield

Coaching points

• Weight and timing of forward passes
• Movement off the ball to receive between lines
• Quick decision-making in final third
• Quality of first touch to set up finish