Play into the number 9 – Technical Practice

WHY USE IT

The practice will assist teams that find it difficult to play into the number 9, working on the hold-up play, combining with the number 9 and the number 9’s finishing techniques.

SET UP

Can be delivered on half a pitch.

HOW TO PLAY

The coach shouts the name of a server, who passes the ball into one of the central midfielders on their team. The midfielder then supplies a forward pass to the number 9. The coach can demonstrate different situations they may face in a game for the number 9 to adapt to, such as passes in behind the defence (mannequins), a ball to feet with their back to goal, a cross into the box etc. The practice then repeats with players alternating roles.

TECHNIQUE

Encourage positive positioning for the number 9, and positive passes from the server and midfielders. A progression could be a time limit in which to score.

1. Two equal teams set up on opposite halves of the pitch, with three central players and servers round the outside

2. Servers pass the ball into a central midfielder, who then passes to the number 9

3. The number 9 then finishes with a shot on goal