Edition 35

Welcome to the Soccer Newsletter. Today's topic of discussion is combination play.

Frequently, players look at combination plays as something that take place between two people. However, most successful combinations take place between three players.

First I want to start with defining what a combination play is. A combination play is anything that takes place between two or more people usually, in close space. Some examples of combination plays are wall passes, overlapping runs and takeovers. The problem with most players attempts at combination plays is that they rush the play too much. Instead of letting the combination play develop and adding a third player into the play, they try to force it by playing too quickly. An example of this is when a back plays a ball to an outside midfielder and then makes an overlapping run around the midfielder. Too many outside midfielders try to get their body turned and play the ball across their bodies to the overlapping runner. A better way for this play to develop is for the back to play the ball forward and then make this overlapping run and instead of the outside midfielder finding the runner, she should find either a center midfielder or central defender who could then find the runner which is where the third person comes in.

By utilizing the third player, it allow the runner time to get into proper attacking position while at the same time adds a bit of deception by giving the impression that the runner is being ignored. Another example of a three person combination play can be shown as a slight variation of the typical takeover. Lets say a central midfielder is dribbling the left sideline and the left midfielder checks toward her. In a typical takeover, the midfielder would go on the outside of the central player and have the ball released to her with the hope that the defenders will go with the central player who had the ball. While this is an effective way to relieve pressure, an effective alternative is for the central player who released the ball to continue her run. Now the player with the ball (who is going in a different direction) can play a simple ball back to a third player who can now find the first player (who probably is unmarked now that she no longer has the ball). This three person combination play is very simple to execute but requires good spacingand patience. The willingness to allow this play to develop without rushing things will make the difference between success and failure.

A simple way work on three person combination plays is to play small sided games with the restriction that no one can go to goal without a three person combination. Even if they try a ridiculous combination in order to fulfill the requirement that will be fine because it will cause them to think and communicate with each other. Once they get used to these combination plays the next requirement is that the scoring opportunity must come directly from a combination play.

Three person combination plays take a great deal of time and practice to get good at. Take chances in training and gradually they will become more and more comfortable in doing them in a real match.

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Have a great day.

Lawrence