Strike partners
by Tony Carr in Attacking, Practice plans
When two strikers play together they develop an understanding of what each other is doing – therefore more chances are created. This session initially concentrates on the forwards then integrates defenders and team mates to replicate a real match.
What this session is about
Developing forward partnerships.
Combination play.
Scoring goals.
Developing a partnership with two forwards can be a deadly combination for the team – just look at Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez at Manchester City last season!
To develop a partnership between two forwards, they must work intensively in training.
The two forwards must move into different positions to disrupt the opponent's defence.
It is also useful if the two forwards have different qualities and strengths in order to be unpredictable, for example, a tall, strong player may be a good foil for a smaller, more agile striker.
Game Situation
10 minutes 10 minutes 30 minutes 10 minutes 5 minutes
What you get your players to do
Use half a pitch (relevant to the age group) and place two mannequins/poles just outside the penalty area, as shown in the top picture.
Two strikers wait for a midfielder to pass to one of them. Immediately, the second striker (S2) spins around and runs into space behind the mannequins/poles.
The striker in possession (S1) now turns and plays a pass through the gap and into space for the second striker to run on to and shoot at goal.
To progress: The midfielder makes a long pass to the second striker who sets the ball back to the first striker. The first striker passes through the mannequins/poles for the second striker to spin back, run behind and through the mannequins/ poles to shoot at goal.
Two strikers combine to create a goalscoring opportunity.
Mark out an area, with a goal at each end, which will be used for a series of 2v1 attacks.
One striker, defender and keeper are nominated to play inside each half of the field while the rest of the squad forms two queues of strikers at opposite sides of the halfway line.
The practice works in both directions with the goalkeepers throwing the ball out to the first striker to their right.
The striker receives the ball and turns to dribble in a 2v1 situation with the second striker to try and score in the opposite goal.
After each attack, the striker who first received the ball takes the place of the second striker, who joins the queue at the halfway line.
A striker at the side of the pitch receives a throw and combines with a strike partner to shoot at goal.
Split the playing area into three zones and use two teams. Each team has two defenders, three midfielders and two strikers in those respective zones, as shown in the bottom picture.
The aim for each team is to build up play by passing from the goalkeeper through the defence and midfield then to the team's strikers.
The strikers must now combine to score in a 2v2 situation. Play offsides. If the ball goes out, restart with a pass-in. The team that scores most goals wins.
To progress: One midfielder is able to break into the attacking zone to create a 3v2 situation.
Defenders, midfielders and strikers play within zones and try to build up play from back to front.
About Tony Carr
Tony Carr is one of the most influential figures in English football. The former West Ham Academy director has brought through – from the youth team to the first team – players like Glen Johnson, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe.
View all posts by Tony Carr >
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