Free practice Possession & Rondos
Hilal Breaking Lines
Watch this drill in the libraryPractice description
Aim
Develop central possession and penetrative passes to teammates positioned beyond the opposition's defensive line.
How it works
This line-breaking practice centres on a locked 3v3 contest. The possession players work to access two target teammates beyond the defenders within the practice's 2-3-3-2 structure.
• The three central possession players circulate the ball against the three defenders.
• Both groups remain in the central contest, with the defenders screening access to the two target players.
• Use short combinations and changes of position to move the defenders and open a passing lane.
• When a route appears, play through the defensive line to one of the two waiting targets.
• The target players stay available beyond the line, adjusting their receiving position as the ball moves.
Develop central possession and penetrative passes to teammates positioned beyond the opposition's defensive line.
How it works
This line-breaking practice centres on a locked 3v3 contest. The possession players work to access two target teammates beyond the defenders within the practice's 2-3-3-2 structure.
• The three central possession players circulate the ball against the three defenders.
• Both groups remain in the central contest, with the defenders screening access to the two target players.
• Use short combinations and changes of position to move the defenders and open a passing lane.
• When a route appears, play through the defensive line to one of the two waiting targets.
• The target players stay available beyond the line, adjusting their receiving position as the ball moves.
Coaching points
• Create Passing Angles: Encourage players to constantly shift and rotate to create angles for forward passes, using the width and depth of the grid.
• Disorganise the Defence: Attackers must use movement, decoy runs, and quick combinations to pull defenders out of position and open up passing lanes.
• Weight and Timing of Passes: Passes into the final line must be played with the right weight and at the right moment to give receivers the best chance to control and play forward.
• Scanning and Awareness: Players should scan before receiving to know where teammates, opponents, and space are located, helping them make quicker decisions.
• Disorganise the Defence: Attackers must use movement, decoy runs, and quick combinations to pull defenders out of position and open up passing lanes.
• Weight and Timing of Passes: Passes into the final line must be played with the right weight and at the right moment to give receivers the best chance to control and play forward.
• Scanning and Awareness: Players should scan before receiving to know where teammates, opponents, and space are located, helping them make quicker decisions.
Progression 1
One Defender Allowed to Press Into Next Zone:
Allow one defender from the middle grid to step into the attacking zone once the ball is played forward, creating added pressure for the receiving players.
Focus: Forces attackers to make more precise and well-timed passes under increased pressure.
Allow one defender from the middle grid to step into the attacking zone once the ball is played forward, creating added pressure for the receiving players.
Focus: Forces attackers to make more precise and well-timed passes under increased pressure.
Progression 2
Add a Time Limit to Score:
Give the attacking team 10 seconds to find a line-breaking pass and reach the forward players. If unsuccessful, possession switches.
Focus: Encourages quicker tempo, faster decision-making, and game-realistic urgency in build-up play.
Give the attacking team 10 seconds to find a line-breaking pass and reach the forward players. If unsuccessful, possession switches.
Focus: Encourages quicker tempo, faster decision-making, and game-realistic urgency in build-up play.
