Linking Play
Linking Play is such a great thing to teach your players and this is a great drill for all age groups.
There are 2 defenders in play, 1 Centre Forward and 1 Winger.
The idea is the Centre Forward drops into a deep position and links the play by receiving a pass, taking one touch to control, laying the ball off to a winger and spinning in behind to attack the box with a far post run so their body is open and ready to get on the end of the cross and finish.
Defender 1 starts in a Static Position 10 yards in front of the coach, who is on the half way line.
The Centre forward is 10 yards further back, then runs infront of the defender, calling for the ball.
The Coach plays the pass to his feet, he has one touch and lays the ball out to the winger, then spins back on himself in an arcing run to attack the box from a far post position.
The Defender also spins to try and track his run.
The winger collects the pass and carries down the line.
The winger has 2 opportunities to cross, one being early, before reaching the penalty area, the second being from the by line.
Defender 2 moves from the centre of the box to force the winger to make a decision
Communication and speed of run from the attacker will determine which decision the winger makes.
Why it works
Encouraging a centre forward to make an unselfish run and Linking play and how that can create a goal scoring opportunity.
By encouraging the centre forward to attack the far post, their body position is open and ready for a finish.
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