Finishing with diagonal runs behind the mannequins
A line of mannequins acts as the defence: the central player combines with a winger and threads the pass for the opposite winger, who runs diagonally in behind the line and finishes.
Step 1Pared con el extremo
1 / 3
El 1 pasa al 2, que devuelve al primer toque.
Objective
Synchronise the through ball with the diagonal run in behind the defensive line, staying onside, and finish on the run.
Organisation
Three or four mannequins in a line 4-5 m outside the penalty box representing the defence. Central starting cone 10 m from the mannequins with a queue of players and balls. A cone on each wing level with the central cone with queues of wingers. Keeper in goal.
Development
- 1The starting player (1) passes to the winger on one side (2), who has come to show for the ball.
- 2Player 2 returns it first time to 1, who receives facing goal.
- 3As the return pass travels, the winger on the opposite side (3) starts a diagonal run inside to attack the space behind the mannequins, timing it so he is not ahead of the line before the pass.
- 4Player 1 threads the ball with his first or second touch between two mannequins, in front of the runner.
- 5Player 3 receives on the run and finishes with a maximum of two touches against the keeper.
- 6Rotation: 1 joins the queue of the winger he combined with, 2 moves to the centre and 3 collects the ball and returns to the opposite wing.
- 7Switch the side of the combination every 3-4 minutes so the diagonal runs come from both wings.
Coaching points4
- The runner goes as the ball travels to the central player, never before: the mannequin line is the offside line.
- Bent run: first away or backwards to deceive, then diagonally inside.
- The through ball goes in front of the runner, weighted so it does not reach the keeper first.
- Wingers on their toes, ready to receive, not standing on the cone.
Common mistakes3
- The winger goes too early and is already level with the mannequins when the pass is played.
- The central player passes to feet instead of into space.
- A soft return pass from the winger that forces the central player to turn.
Variations3
- The central player takes two touches on the dribble before threading the pass, to fix the line.
- The winger who played the wall pass also attacks the box for a rebound or a cut-back.
- Finish with a low cross from the runner instead of a shot.
Progressions2
- Replace one mannequin with a real defender who steps out to press the runner.
- Add a recovering defender who starts behind the runner at the moment of the through ball.
Regressions2
- Shorten the distances and let player 1 control before threading the pass.
- Remove the mannequins and use a line of cones to mark the offside line.
Tips
- Put an assistant on the mannequin line as an offside judge for instant feedback.
- Adjust the distance between the mannequins and the box to the age: the younger the players, the closer to goal.