Holding Up Play – The Target Man
Holding up Play and being a Target Man and Holding up play is a key role that can help develop attacks.
Far to often players will receive the ball up front and just look to turn and run at goal, often losing the ball.
This drill is designed to help the Centre Forward play the target man role. To be strong with a defender on their back. To learn to protect the ball and wait for the runners and then choose the right pass.
Teach the Forward to get side on to the defender, so they can hold them off with one arm, and receive the ball with the opposite foot to maximise distance between defender and the ball.
If the defender tries to push round one way, encourage them to spin the other way and attack the goal
How it Works
Centre Forward & Central Defender start just outside the area.
2 wingers & 2 defenders start on the halfway line.
Coach plays the ball to the Centre Forward. Forward battles with defender and controls the ball.
Coach releases both wingers, but only the defender from one side.
Centre Forward then has to be able to see which winger is free and play the pass, then spin behind the defender and attack the box.
Winger is allowed one touch then has to cross or take a shot.
Holding Up Play – Scale it up
The Scale up brings a 3rd supporting midfielder & defender into play.
Coach will determine which two defenders track back.
Central midfielder will play the pass and follow, allowing the option of a return ball.
Play can be allowed to run until a goal is scored or the ball goes dead.
Rotate the positions of attackers and defenders, then switch roles so everyone gets a go in all positions.
Forwards will learn plenty if they take on the role of the defender, and it will teach them what they can do better as a Forward next time around.
Want to do next ??
If you are looking for other drills regarding transition of play, then Check out this “Linking Play” drill
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