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Objective of the Practice:
This practice is designed to improve Marking and finding space, Cross-field passes, Changing the direction of the play.
Field Preparation:
 Area 20 x 20 yards. 8 players. Supply of balls. Cones. Colored bibs.
Coaching Points:
The team with the ball has to try to keep possession with the help of an extra player who is stationed outside the playing area. The object is to create opportunities of switching the play by a single long pass directed to a second supporting player positioned outside the playing area on the far side. These changes of direction have to be carefully prepared by an exchange of short passes while the defenders do everything they can to prevent this. The exercise not only improves the alternation between a series of short passes and a single long pass, but it also entices
players to bunch up in one section of the field as they often do in match play.
Method
With a pitch divided into three sections, the play is concentrated in the two outer zones while the central zone remains neutral and has to be crossed with long high passes, ground passes not being allowed. Three play against three, with those in possession enjoying the support of an extra player. They try to work the ball free and hit long passes across to the second supporting player who is outside the outer zone on the far side of the playing area. Once the ball has been switched in this way, the two teams immediately continue the exercise in the other zone and aim their long passes to the other supporting player.
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