16-4 1v1plus 2 small-sided game: Wall passes in tight spaces - FIFA Training Centre

The wheel symbolises the game, with each segment representing a specific aspect of it. The lightly coloured segments are included in the practice. The darkly coloured segments are emphasised. Lastly, the grey segments represent areas that are not practised.

The intention: What is practised?
This small-sided 1v1 plus 2 game works on using the wall pass to exploit the space in behind a defender. The exercise focuses on player-level aspects, with an emphasis on creating the right conditions for a one-two that results in a goalscoring opportunity. Players should prepare themselves for the wall pass so that when the defender jumps out to press, they can quickly pass to the wide player and then run into the space in behind. If the defender does not jump out, players must try to engage them so that they can open up angles and exploit the space left in behind. Players should avoid being static and are asked to keep the ball moving by playing one- or two-touch passes and performing sharp changes of direction when in possession.

The scale: For whom is this relevant?
This small-sided game revolves around the player scale, with a focus on playing one-twos to eliminate defenders and create goalscoring chances. The exercise is not relevant to a specific phase of play and instead focuses on the individual player’s technique in attacking scenarios. The exercise is geared to helping attacking players recognise when they should play a one-two and which team-mate is in the best position to play them in behind the defence. The drill is non-position-specific, and players are asked to adopt an aggressive and positive approach.

The practice type: How is the practice designed?
This small-sided game is contested on a narrow playing area that ensures that players are positioned close to goal and to prevent them from turning away from goal and their opponent. The main objective of the exercise is the execution of the wall pass, with players encouraged to take risks and be brave on the ball rather than playing safe passes. Limiting neutral players to two touches ensures that passes are returned quickly and helps to avoid static situations. The progression to a 2v2 scenario adds an extra dimension and should speed up the one-twos and make them more effective.

The attacking player must use at least one wall pass with a neutral to get behind the defender and finish.

Variation: A 2v2 plus 2 scenario

Organisation

Mark out a 15m x 30m playing area.
Place a full-size goal and a goalkeeper at either end of the playing area.
Split the group into 2 teams (blues and oranges) and assign 2 neutral players (greys).
Position the 2 neutral players on the outside of either side of the playing area, as shown in the graphic above.
Place 1 blue and 1 orange player inside the playing area.
Place the remaining blue and orange players along one side of the playing area.

Explanation

The exercise starts with the orange player in possession.
The orange player’s objective is to score into the goal defended by the blue player.
The orange player must play at least one wall pass with either neutral player to try to get in behind the blue player and finish on goal.
Once the orange player’s attacking sequence has finished, they swap roles with the blue player.
The neutral players are limited to 2 touches.
All players rotate roles after each minute of play.

Variation

Set up a scenario involving a 2v2 plus 2.

Key coaching points

(1/3) If the defender doesn’t step out to press, the ball-carrier should look to engage them in order to create passing angles and exploit the space left behind.

(2/3) If the defender steps out to press or is successfully engaged, the ball-carrier should recognise the opportunity to quickly combine with the wide player and make a run into the space behind to receive the return pass — executing a wall pass.

(3/3) To capitalise on the positional advantage of the player initiating the wall pass, wide players should look to play one-touch to reduce the defender's chance to recover.

Roles of coaches

First coach: leads the session, intervenes to help the attacking player(s) to play successful wall passes and feeds balls into the playing area.
Second coach: encourages the attacking player(s) from their position along the side of one half of the playing area.
Third coach: encourages the attacking player(s) from their position along the side of the other half of the playing area to the second coach.