Exercises › Game exercise

4v2: playing past the first line of press

• 15 min
• 8–12 players
• 7v7
• 9v9
• 11v11
• Build-up play

A small-sided game from the joint FC Twente/Heracles academy in the Netherlands. It trains playing past the first line of press: the attackers take the opposition out of the game in a 4v2, switch to the other half and use a lay-off to the third player before finishing in the mini-goal. For a group of 8 to 12 players (the basic set-up is eight: six attackers and two defenders), mark out a small pitch with a halfway line (about 10 × 5 metres according to the source, adjust to the age group) and place two mini-goals 2 metres behind the goal lines. Six attackers and two defenders. The coach stands on the halfway line with balls. A 4v2 is played in one half. The attackers try to switch play to the other half and play a lay-off (third player) before they finish. Each goal is worth one point for the attackers. When the defenders win the ball they can score straight away in one of the mini-goals, and each goal is worth two points. They also get one point if the attackers put the ball out of play. Swap the defenders after 60 seconds. Play eight rounds. See the video. Source: FIFA Training Centre (Instagram), from FC Twente/Heracles.

What the coach should look for

• Play past the first press in the 4v2.
• Switch to the other half and use the third man (lay-off) before finishing.
• Movement and passing angles so the defenders cannot cover.
• Defenders: win the ball and finish straight away.

Watch the video

The video belongs to its creator and plays at the source.

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