4-2-3-1: finding the number 10 between the lines
A three-zone game where the ball must go from the back zone into the number 10 in the middle zone before it can go into the front. Teaches the double pivot to find the 10 and the 10 to turn.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- 40 x 30 m split into three zones.
- Back zone: two centre-backs and two holding midfielders v two pressers. Middle: the 10 v one defender. Front: striker and two wide players v three defenders, plus a goal and keeper.
Equipment: Cones, bibs, balls
How it works
- Back zone keeps the ball, then plays into the 10.
- The 10 turns and plays into the front zone; that zone attacks the goal 3v3.
- If the 10 can't turn, they bounce back and the pivot looks again.
Coaching points
- 10: scan before the ball arrives; take your first touch forward.
- Pivots: stay staggered, never flat, so the passing lane to the 10 opens.
- Front three: move as the 10 receives, not after.
Formations this drill suits
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- No defender on the 10
- Front zone 3v2
Make it harder
- The 10 has two touches
- Defenders can drop into the middle zone
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
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