The High Value Assist Area

To improve the ability to create and finish chances from high-value wide areas (the assist zones), using support play, wide rotations, and box entries.

Setup: - Use a wide pitch setup (full pitch or extended thirds). - Mark high-value assist zones on both sides of the box - Two full-sized goals with goalkeepers. - Add neutral players on each flank (touchline) to act as wide playmakers. - Divide players into two teams (7v7, 9v9 or 11v11 depending on age and space). Process: 1. Teams build centrally and aim to access the neutral wide players. 2. Neutrals support the switch of play and passes into the High Value Assist area. Neutrals cannot cross the ball. 3. Teams can score in the normal manner, but goals from crosses that originate from within the high-value assist zones are worth 2 goals. 4. Attackers must time their runs into the assist area and into the box (minimum 2 runners into the box). 5. Defenders work to delay wide access or defend the area with compact shape. 6. As a progression, the backpost neutral can attack the box for crosses.