Soccer Attacking

Through Ball Timing Drill

Soccer drill for attacking training sessions

Attackers practise timing runs and passes to break a defensive line without going early.

20 minDuration
8 playersGroup size
IntermediateDifficulty
35x25 mSpace needed
Cones, balls, goalEquipment

What This Drill Improves

This soccer drill is best for intermediate players who need focused work on attacking. It works well with 8 players and can be adjusted by changing the space, pressure, or scoring rules.

Setup

Create a line of cones as the defensive line. Passers start 15 m away, runners start level with the line.

Instructions

  1. Passer dribbles forward and looks up.
  2. Runner curves run to stay onside.
  3. Passer plays through ball into space.
  4. Runner finishes first or second touch.

Coaching Points

✓ Runner goes when passer has head up.
✓ Pass into space, not to feet.
✓ Curve run to avoid crossing the line too early.

Common Mistakes to Watch For

  • Players losing focus on the main coaching point.
  • The drill area being too large or too small for the group.
  • Progressing the drill before the basic pattern is clean.

Progressions: Make It Harder

→ Add a recovering defender.
→ Add goalkeeper pressure.
→ Passer must disguise the pass with a fake shot or body feint.

Regressions: Make It Easier

Start without defenders, then add pressure once the movement pattern is clear.
Allow extra touches until players understand the timing.

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