Full-back attack

WHY USE IT

Full-backs these days don’t just defend – they can also be used as extra attackers, either to pull a defence wide open with quick passing play, or to run at the opposition and shoot at goal. Often, this will be supporting play in a counter-attack or playing off a central attacker.

SET UP

Set up an area of a size appropriate to the age, ability and number of your players, with a goal and goalkeeper at one end. At the other end, you need pairs of players ready to be attacking defenders, shown here in white. In front of the goal, put one defender and one attacker, while, at the other end, six defenders stand at the sides, numbered one to six. You need bibs, cones, balls and a goal.

HOW TO PLAY

The pairs of players in white must attack with the ball, working out the best way to combine with the lone attacker to create a goal. On your call of a number, a red defender must join in to pressure them.

COACHING POINTS

• Encourages runs from defenders who have broken into the space behind the opposition and helps them take advantage of it. 
• Attacking defenders can go wide to open up the opposition defence or go straight for the penalty area.