Patterns of play

By David Clarke

Patterns of play are essential to the game. They can begin with any player on the pitch, and range from extremely simple to frighteningly complex! But the more players practise them and understand their effectiveness, the better the rewards for your team.

Here's a game I use that starts with my full back. It doesn't involve any long balls, but does require crisp, accurate passing. See if it works for you!

What to do

• Set up as shown in the pictures above. There is a target man (T) at each end of the area, plus two neutrals (N) and a 3v3 in the main 50x40 yards area, not including the centre circle, which has its own 2v2. Players cannot step over area boundaries.
  
• There are two balls in play at all times, starting with the target players who play out to the full back.
• Teams score a point by receiving the ball from one target man and pass it the length of the area to the other but each player on the team must touch the ball. This doesn't include neutrals, who play for the attacking team.
  
• Tackling is only allowed in the centre circle, although blocks are allowed elsewhere. If play is turned over in the centre, the ball must go back to a target player for a new move to start.
  
• When a point is scored, target players restart by passing the ball to a player on the non-scoring team.
  
• Increase the game's difficulty by making the neutral players defenders. If they win possession they return the ball to a target player.
  

The practice

• The game is great for practising moving patterns through midfield.
  
• It encourages players in the main area to be constantly on the move to help those in the centre.
• Players must be alert to opportunities to pass, particularly because a team could find itself in possession of two balls at once.
• Players must learn to pick up on preferred patterns of play from players in designated positions. The game encourages players to read and learn others' preferences.