Free practice Numbers Drills · Finishing & Attacking
Paris SG Attacking in Wide Areas
Watch this drill in the libraryPractice description
Aim
Develop wide overloads and crossing opportunities, with quick defensive reactions after losing possession.
How it works
A deep pass into a wide 2v2 becomes a 3v2 when the passer joins. Attackers look to cross, while defenders can counter towards central goals.
• Play from deep into the wide grid, where two attackers face two defenders.
• The passer follows at speed to create a 3v2.
• The attackers combine to progress and cross for an unopposed teammate in the box.
• If the two defenders win possession, they try to score in the goals towards the centre.
• If defenders score, all three attackers complete a sprint to represent a recovery transition.
Develop wide overloads and crossing opportunities, with quick defensive reactions after losing possession.
How it works
A deep pass into a wide 2v2 becomes a 3v2 when the passer joins. Attackers look to cross, while defenders can counter towards central goals.
• Play from deep into the wide grid, where two attackers face two defenders.
• The passer follows at speed to create a 3v2.
• The attackers combine to progress and cross for an unopposed teammate in the box.
• If the two defenders win possession, they try to score in the goals towards the centre.
• If defenders score, all three attackers complete a sprint to represent a recovery transition.
Coaching points
• Quick Entry into Wide Areas – The player who plays the initial pass into the wide grid should move quickly to join the grid and create the 3v2 scenario. Emphasize the importance of timing to ensure that they enter the grid at the right moment to support the attack and create overloads.
• Attacking Combinations – Encourage the attacking players to combine quickly in the 3v2 scenario, focusing on making sharp, accurate passes and creating space for each other. This will allow them to progress the ball towards the box with speed and precision.
• Crossing and Finishing – Once the play progresses into the final third, the attacker must focus on delivering an accurate, early cross into the box for the unopposed attacker. The receiver should time their run to meet the cross and finish efficiently.
• Defending and Transitioning – When the defending 2 win possession, they must transition quickly to attack the central goals. Encourage defenders to act decisively and exploit the moment of transition to score, while the three original attackers must complete their recovery sprint if the defenders score.
• Attacking Combinations – Encourage the attacking players to combine quickly in the 3v2 scenario, focusing on making sharp, accurate passes and creating space for each other. This will allow them to progress the ball towards the box with speed and precision.
• Crossing and Finishing – Once the play progresses into the final third, the attacker must focus on delivering an accurate, early cross into the box for the unopposed attacker. The receiver should time their run to meet the cross and finish efficiently.
• Defending and Transitioning – When the defending 2 win possession, they must transition quickly to attack the central goals. Encourage defenders to act decisively and exploit the moment of transition to score, while the three original attackers must complete their recovery sprint if the defenders score.
Progression 1
Add a Defender in the Box
Keep the wide 2v2 becoming 3v2. Add one defender in the penalty area to mark the previously unopposed central attacker and contest the cross.
Focus: Connects the wide overload with a contested final delivery and finish.
Keep the wide 2v2 becoming 3v2. Add one defender in the penalty area to mark the previously unopposed central attacker and contest the cross.
Focus: Connects the wide overload with a contested final delivery and finish.
Progression 2
Time Limits on Attacks
Limit the amount of time the attacking players have to score by introducing a countdown or a set number of passes (e.g., 3 passes) before they must cross. This will encourage faster play and improve decision-making under pressure.
Focus: Enhancing attacking speed and decision-making while under time constraints.
Limit the amount of time the attacking players have to score by introducing a countdown or a set number of passes (e.g., 3 passes) before they must cross. This will encourage faster play and improve decision-making under pressure.
Focus: Enhancing attacking speed and decision-making while under time constraints.
