Simeone's diagonal passing combination with switch of play
Simeone's Atletico circuit in a 30x15 m rectangle: trios cross the area chaining diagonal passes into a teammate's run and finish with a long diagonal switch of play and a dribble to the opposite marker.
Step 1Diagonales cortas
1 / 3
A pasa a la carrera de B; B juega en diagonal a la carrera de C.
Objective
Diagonal passes into a running teammate with the right pace and timing, chaining four passes without stopping the ball and finishing with a switch of play.
Organisation
30x15 m rectangle. On each short side, three markers 5 m apart. Nine players in three trios (A-B-C, D-E-F, G-H-I); the starting trio has a ball at each starting marker and the others wait at the markers on the opposite side. Three sets of 4 minutes with 1 minute of passive recovery.
Development
- 1A passes diagonally into the run of B, who has started forward from his marker.
- 2B plays diagonally into the run of C, who starts as the ball leaves A's foot.
- 3C returns a forward diagonal into the run of A, who has followed the pass through the middle.
- 4A switches play with a long diagonal into B's run on the opposite side.
- 5B drives to the opposite marker while A and C complete their runs to the free markers on the other side.
- 6The next trio (D-E-F) starts from that side as soon as the first finishes; the sequence repeats continuously, alternating direction.
Coaching points4
- Start the run before the pass: the passer plays to where the teammate is going, not where he is.
- Low inside-of-the-foot passes for the short diagonals; the switch of play driven with the laces.
- Full concentration: four consecutive passes without the ball ever stopping.
- Control on the run with the far foot without breaking stride.
Common mistakes3
- The runner starts late and receives standing still or with his back to play.
- Diagonals too long, taking the teammate outside the rectangle.
- Dribbling slowly at the end and delaying the next trio's start.
Variations3
- One touch for the whole combination with advanced players.
- Finish with a shot at goal instead of the dribble to the marker.
- Reverse the direction of the sequence so the diagonals are played with the other foot.
Progressions2
- Two trios running at once, one in each direction, forcing players to read the space.
- Add a passive defender in the middle to disturb the final diagonal.
Regressions2
- 20x12 m rectangle and two touches allowed on every pass.
- Only the first three passes without the final switch of play.
Tips
- Three marker colours so every player knows which one his run ends at.
- A spare ball at each starting marker prevents stoppages after mistakes.