🔧 Set-up: Half-pitch setup 1 striker, 2 central midfielders, 2 wingers, 3 defenders, 1 goalkeeper Several footballs ⚽ Activity: Instruct defenders to vary their defensive line depth each repetition Play starts from the central midfielder Scenario 1 – Dropping Deep If the defensive line stays deep, the striker starts high but drops into midfield to receive a pass The striker links play with midfielders and switches the ball wide After laying off, the striker spins and moves into the box to finish a cross or cutback Scenario 2 – Running in Behind If the defensive line pushes high, the striker recognises the space and makes a run behind A midfielder plays a through ball, and the striker times their run to stay onside Finish on goal from the break-in-behind ✅ Coaching Points: Read the depth of the defensive line before choosing movement Communicate early with midfielders to trigger either dropping or running When dropping deep, scan surroundings to play quick one-touch layoffs When running in behind, bend runs to stay onside and attack space explosively Focus on sharp decision-making and quick transition from movement to finish
