Breaking the lines

WHY USE IT

Focuses on possession to break lines, forward passes, supporting positions, angles to play forwards, positioning between the lines, body shape to receive, pressing as a front unit, denying opposition playing forwards and transitioning from attack to defence and vice versa.

SET UP

Set up a playing area relative to your players with two mini goals at each end and a middle channel of 3-5 yards in width. Divide players into three groups (5, 5 and 4) with two goalkeepers, who play behind the outside line.

The Reds’ five players start in the left-most area, joined by thee of the Blues, who also have one player in the middle zone. The Whites have three players in the right-most area and two in the middle.

HOW TO PLAY

Play starts with a goalkeeper passing to the Reds, who aim to keep possession, making at least three passes. The Blues’ front three press - if they win the ball they can score into the goals. When the Reds have made three passes, they can play directly into the front three Whites or through the two Whites in the middle.

The Blue in the middle screens to cut off any through passes. If they win the ball, it has to be scored in one of the two small goals in front of them. When the ball is transferred to the other side, the situation is mirrored. When the team plays the ball across it is a point for them.