Week 38

Outcomes

• ✓Players can execute two different combination types within one attacking move.
• ✓Players can switch between combination options based on how the defence reacts.
• ✓Players can maintain composure and finish after a complex combination.
• ✓Players can talk and call their intentions throughout the combination sequence.

Equipment

• 14 cones
• 8 bibs
• 10 balls
• 2 full-size goals
• 2 keepers

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Groups of three with one ball, free space.

   How to run it: Continuous combination sequences: the group completes a give-and-go, immediately transitions to a third-man run, and finishes at a cone goal. Coach calls out which combination to use as they move.

   • ›React to the call instantly — no pause between combinations.
   • ›Communication between players makes every combination work.
   • ›Third player: your sprint links the two combinations.

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Half-pitch, groups of three versus passive defender. Full goal with keeper.

   How to run it: Trios attack the goal using any combination from the quarter — give-and-go, overlap, third-man, or cut-back. Passive defender starts centrally. Groups have 20 seconds per attack.

   • ›Read the defender to select the combination.
   • ›Two combinations in one move earns a mental bonus — push for it.
   • ›Keeper: stay focused throughout warm-up — real saves count.

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: Full pitch half. 4v2 attack (plus keeper). Two defenders allowed to intercept but not tackle. Attackers have full freedom of combination.

   How to run it: Attackers must use at least two named combinations before shooting. After each sequence, coach identifies the combinations used by name. Progress: change to 4v3 with live tackling.

   • ›Name the combination as it happens: 'Wall pass!', 'Overlap!', 'Third man!'
   • ›Don't be mechanical — combinations should feel natural.
   • ›The best moment to combine is when the defender commits.

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: 4v4 on a 35×25 yd pitch with full goals and keepers. Goals that include two or more named combinations in the build-up count as 'combination goals' and earn three points.

   How to run it: Teams keep their own combination logs. Coach confirms combination goals. Teams may also score single-combination goals for one point. Tracks both totals.

   • ›Build patiently — a combination goal is worth the extra seconds.
   • ›Don't lose possession chasing the combination — one is fine too.
   • ›Defenders: recognise combination patterns and disrupt them early.

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 5v5 including keepers, 35×25 yd, full goals.

   How to run it: Free match. Before each kickoff, each team nominates a 'combination of the half' — the specific combination they will try to execute. Coach checks at the end: did they attempt it?

   • ›Planning creates intention — intention creates execution.
   • ›If the nominated combination doesn't come off, celebrate the attempt.
   • ›Keepers: anticipate combinations — they often end in shots from an angle.

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Circle stretch.

   How to run it: Quad, hip, and shoulder stretches. Coach asks: 'Which combination was hardest to execute today? Which felt most natural?' Discuss briefly.

   • ›The hardest combinations become the most natural with repetition.
   • ›Every combination links back to the same idea: use a team-mate to beat a defender.

Outcomes

• ✓Players can select the appropriate combination based on the defensive situation.
• ✓Players can link combination play to a high-quality finish.
• ✓Players can recover possession and immediately launch a combination counter.
• ✓Players can defend as an organised unit against combination attacks.

Equipment

• 12 cones
• 8 bibs
• 8 balls
• 2 full-size goals
• 2 keepers

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Groups of four, two balls, free play.

   How to run it: Four players keep possession using only combination plays — no holding. Every two passes must include a combination movement (sprint, overlap, third-man run). Count the longest unbroken combination sequence.

   • ›Combination play requires constant movement — don't stand still.
   • ›Receiver: show for the ball, receive, set the next combination.
   • ›Encourage creativity — try combinations that weren't in training.

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Full pitch half. Rotating teams of three attack a full goal with keeper plus one defender. New defenders rotate in every two minutes.

   How to run it: Attackers use any combination to beat the defender and finish. Defender is fully live. Rotation keeps legs fresh and creates healthy competition.

   • ›Attacker: trigger the combination quickly — don't give the defender time to set.
   • ›Read the keeper: if off the line, laces early; if set, side-foot placement.
   • ›Celebrate successful combinations from the touchline — teammates cheer.

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: 4v4 (+keeper) match scenario with coach-imposed constraints in five-minute blocks. Block 1: goals only from combinations. Block 2: goals from shots after beating a defender 1v1. Block 3: goals from crossing situations only.

   How to run it: Each block forces players to select the right moment for the required skill. Coach announces the constraint and counts down. Teams keep a running total across all three blocks.

   • ›In combination block: quick passing, movement before the ball.
   • ›In 1v1 block: take the defender on early — create the opportunity.
   • ›In crossing block: get wide quickly; central players move into the box.

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: 3v3 (+ keepers) in attack half. No restrictions — free play. Coach watches for quality and pauses (maximum twice) to highlight a specific combination moment, good or bad.

   How to run it: Free attacking play at full intensity. Coach pauses only for significant teaching moments. Players should feel this is near-match intensity.

   • ›Identify combinations happening naturally — these are the habits forming.
   • ›Praise the decisions, not just the results.
   • ›Defenders: identify patterns to disrupt early.

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 6v6 including keepers, 40×30 yd, full goals.

   How to run it: Full free match. No points bonus — all goals count one. Coach observes and notes at the end: which team used the most variety of combinations? Announces this observation as a narrative summary.

   • ›Variety keeps defenders guessing.
   • ›The best teams in the world use combinations instinctively.
   • ›Trust your team-mates — combinations only work if everyone commits.

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Group near the halfway line.

   How to run it: Walk and stretch around the pitch perimeter while the coach conducts a verbal review: each player names one combination they improved at this quarter, and one they want to keep working on.

   • ›Self-awareness is a coaching skill — develop it in yourselves.
   • ›The combinations are tools — the goal is always to score and win.