Practice 2: Attacking choices

WHY USE IT

By progressing to a 2v2, the amount of decision making for players will increase. It also gives them an understanding of how the movement of team-mates can support the player on the ball.

SET UP

Use same set-up as before but with three separate start positions - the third is for a second attacker and is situated between the server and the end of the area the team is defending.

HOW TO PLAY

This 2v2 practice is played the same way as the previous one, except two attackers enter the pitch each time rather than just one. To make it simpler, it is recommended that players stay in their role as servers for a set amount of time. This allows the other players to start as attackers, before becoming defenders and then rejoining the line to enter as attackers again.

Coaching points

Receiving player must still consider defenders’ positioning and movement, and try to shift their body weight via touches of the ball and feints, while also looking to identify a chance to exploit space. They now also need to consider whether they should keep the ball or pass to their partner, while their partner must make runs that will either allow them to be in a position to receive in an effective position, or create space for their partner.