Timing of the Drop

To improve a striker’s understanding of when to drop deep, link play, and create opportunities for teammates or themselves to finish.

Setup: • Use the final third of the pitch. • Place mannequins or cones to simulate a back four and two midfielders (adjust based on your level of opponents or age group). • Minimum 3 players and a maximum of 16 can be used. Adjust the sequence to work one side at a time if needed. • Ensure the focus remains on the striker dropping deep to link play. Execution: • Players follow the pass and movement patterns indicated in the diagram. • Striker drops deep at the right time to receive the ball with their back to goal, linking with a midfielder. • Progress the ball through the sequence to finish with two variations at step 5: ◦ The RM finishes. ◦ The RM rolls the ball across for the LM to finish. • Focus on timing, communication, and movement to break defensive lines.