Functional Training for Twin Strikers by Steve Davis
Improve quality and consistency of forwards playing together, and their relationship to the team.
NEED: Cones – Pinnies – Balls - Goals
Warm Up: Technique and Timing of runs in patterns of play
1. A passes to B, who plays C. C passes to D, who repeats by playing C, to B, to A
2. A passes to C, who dummy’s the ball to B, spins off to receive back from B to play D.
3. A passes to B, to C, to D. C switches with A, who receives from D, and plays B, who plays to C at the end. B switches with D, who now receives from C.
Coaching Points:
Receiving and Turning – Texture used – Timing – 2nd attacker mobility
Small Sided Game: 4v2 – 2v2 - Painting the Picture (50x44)
X’s play 4v2 keep away in their grid (44x20 yards) After 3 passes, they attempt to play through the middle zone (44x10) to one of their X’s in the opposite grid (44x20)
Two players follow the pass to create another 4v2 in the other area. The X receiving the pass, must play back to one of the supporting players following the pass, and the second forward looks to play off the run of the forward checking and receiving the ball. Attackers attempt to dribble to end line and control ball before attacking the other grid.
Progression:
Forward checks into the middle zone to receive and can be trailed by a defender. They can now turn and play the second forward, or choose to play back to the supporting players.
Coaching Points:
Hips Open – First touch out from footprints – Visual cues where to pass and receive – 2nd and 3rd player runs – Mobility – Connecting the passes – Dummy to 2nd forward
Expanded Small Sided Game: Directional Play 4v2 – 2v2 to goals (2 keepers)
Set up a full field into thirds, and play a 4v2 in each final third, and place four neutral midfielders in the middle third. The game is to attack by linking up with the twin strikers, and have the midfielders enter the attacking zone to combine with the forwards to go to goal. Use players or coaches to ensure that there are realistic offside calls.
Whenever a goal is scored, or there’s a change of possession, try to play to the midfielders so they can attack quickly ad link up with the forwards.
Progression: Add 2-3 defensive midfielders
Coaching Points:
Link up play – Mobility – Recognizing visual cues – First touch away from pressure – Shooting and Finishing – communication (verbal and visual)
Same as above but make the area 60x44 yards and take away the middle zone.
Players now attempt to play to the forwards and two players support the pass to create a 4v2 to goal. Repeat in the other direction once a goal has been scored, or a shot has been taken. If defenders win the ball, they attempt to play to their teammates in the opposite grid. The two supporting players drop immediately, and allow the two forwards to collectively defend and try to funnel or prevent the defenders from playing out. If the Forwards win the ball, two supporting players come back into the attack.
Coaching Points:
Starting position – Mobility – Combinations – Shooting and Finishing – Collective defending in transition – Immediate pressure to win the ball, funnel and/or delay
The above exercises can also be carried out with 6v3 in one area, and 3v3 in the other. Three players follow the pass over to create a 6v3. This is especially helpful if you play with three forwards and want the midfielders and/or outside backs attacking.
6v4 – 6v4 (midfield is neutral)
