Practice: Through the thirds

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Develop your players’ ability to play through a crowded midfield with this session.

WHY USE IT

This session helps to build up players’ awareness and ability to play through an overloaded midfield.

SET UP

Set up an area relative to the age and ability of your players, with a mini goal at each end. Make the area fairly narrow and long, to encourage vertical passing. Divide the area into thirds. Split players into three teams, one of which is neutral.

HOW TO PLAY

Players are locked into their thirds. The game is multi-directional, so if a team scores in one goal, they then attack the opposite goal. The neutral players support the team in possession.

Progression: Allow one of the in-possession players in the middle third to break into the final third to support the attack.

COACHING POINTS

Encourage the middle-zone players to play in a diamond shape, playing on different lines.
Players should look to find the spare player, making use of their overload.
Players should look to find the furthest forward available pass and middle players should look to receive to play forwards where possible.

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