⚽ Pre-Season
Combination Play Build
By week 3 of pre-season the team needs to rebuild the combination play habits from last season.
Combination Play Build — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Quality maintained as the workload builds
◆Why this drill works
By week 3 of pre-season the team needs to rebuild the combination play habits from last season. This drill works through three patterns — wall pass, overlap, and switch — in sequence so the session covers all three in 18 minutes. Each pattern is drilled in isolation, then semi-live, then applied in
▦The drill in three phases
1Setup
Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot
▶How to run it
- Pattern 1 — wall pass: pairs plus passive defender. Pass and move around the defender. 3 minutes each side.
- Pattern 2 — overlap: wide player and central player. Wide plays inside, central overlaps. 3 minutes each side.
- Pattern 3 — switch: two CMs plus wide players. CM receives, plays first-time switch to other side. 3 minutes.
- Conditioned game 9v9: wall pass goal = 3pts, overlap goal = 3pts, switch = 2pts, standard goal = 1pt.
- Final 5 minutes: free game. No bonuses. Observe what embeds naturally.
✓Equipment checklist
- Balls6
- Cones12
- Bibs8
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Quality maintained as the workload builds
- Building intensity progressively, not going flat out too early
Correct when you see
- Letting standards slip — set the tone now
- Neglecting recovery between sessions
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Agility Ladder | Build the base. | Check price → |
| Value | Marker Cones (50-pack) | Conditioning circuits. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Technical work. | Check price → |
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?Frequently asked questions
What age group is Combination Play Build suitable for?
This drill suits U12–U13. Build the intensity progressively and scale the workload to the group.
How many players do I need for Combination Play Build?
This drill works well with around 12 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.
How long does Combination Play Build take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 23 minutes to run it — about 26 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.