2v2 Combination + Switch — Diagonal Support
Progressing to finishing (2v2 combinations and third-player support)
Setup & rules
- First, play the ball to one of the players; start once the player in front has come in to support
- After beating the two defenders, pass to the player in the same-coloured bib up ahead
- The player who passed leaves the pitch
- The player who received and the player still on the pitch play another 2v2 to break through (the direction of attack changes)
- If the defenders win the ball, they pass to one of their teammates outside the pitch and the passer leaves the pitch
- Roles switch, and the player who received attacks together with the player still on the pitch
- Defenders don't drop back; they step forward to win the ball
- 15–25 min
Key factors
- Look at the defenders' positions and move away so you don't get pressed, creating a passing lane (receive in space)
- If possible, get past the first defensive line with an orientated control (control orientada)
- If pressure comes immediately when you receive, move the ball (with a control or first time)
- After receiving, look at your teammate's positioning and movement
- Look at the second defender while dribbling
* For the key factors of the relationship between the pair, see the separate article "How to break down a 2v2"
Kazu's notes FROM THE COACH
Coaching points:
- The supporting player doesn't move → encourage them by asking questions along with the key factors: where can you receive to avoid the press, and into which space can you control the ball to progress without being pressed?
- The same player stays on the pitch for too long → if it goes on too long, swap them at a suitable moment. Making good use of freeze coaching is also a key point.
Adjust the pitch size according to how often the target situations occur.
Tools: tactical concepts = support, losing your marker, using space / technical actions = passing, carrying dribble, orientated control.
Use this drill in your own session
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In the app: menu → “Import external data” → choose the downloaded file. No sign-up needed. The original Japanese article: junior-soccer.college.One idea a week from Japanese youth football
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