Defending and attacking through passes

Through passes are a very important part of the game, both for attackers and defenders. Both types of player must react quickly to either capitalise on the chance or clear the danger.

In this session from Tony Carr, there are three key aspects to concentrate on:

• Attacker in possession
• Attacker without the ball
• Defender

You want your attackers to get a shot in on goal, and your defenders to isolate the attacker in possession, cut off the pass and force him wide.

This situation happens many times in a game after a through-pass is made. You must ensure the through-pass is realistic in this session. The attacker has a split second to take advantage of this situation before the defender turns and moves.

You can vary the starting distance from the goal depending on the age of your players and the intensity required. You start the practice by playing a through-pass.

The game then continues until the ball leaves play. For the next attack, the defender changes positions with the forward who received the through-pass. The forward not receiving the ball remains in the same position.

Tony Carr is the academy director of West Ham United