This is Part 2 in a two-part series.  Part 1 dealt with transitioning from the goalkeeper through the backs to the midfield.

Transition from the Midfielders to the Forwards

Warm Up Activity - Tactical Back to Pressure Organization - Groups of 3 or 4 with functional passing Coaching Points - Creating space and timing of runs - Penetrating passes

Maine Theme 1 Activity - 3v2 + 1 transition game Organization - Two cone goals 25-30 yards apart - Offense has three attackers vs. two defenders and a goalkeeper - Upon possession, team must play back to GK before attack (Figure 1) Coaching Points - Timing of runs - Tactical options for penetration - Isolation Figure 1: - 3v2 transition game to small goals

Maine Theme 2 Activity - Offense vs. Defense Organization - Half field divided into three zones 6+2 vs. 4+4 to big goal - Attack can score on big goal or two small goals on flanks - Defense scores by distributing to target in center circle (Figure 2) Coaching Points - Possess for penetration - Decisions - Timing of runs - Creativity Figure 2: - Circles are attacking goal and work to transition ball from backs to mids to forwards - Squares are defending big goal.  They score by working the ball out to the target in center circle. - Two squares in cones goals must stay on line and defend that goal only.

Main Theme 3

Activity - Offense vs. Defense Organization - Half field: Offense attacks big goal, defense has target outlet - Flank goals are now gates for uncontested cross (Figure 3)  Coaching Points - Penetration on flanks - Box organization Figure 3: Zones define who can move freely (circles) - Squares still score by hitting target and they must stay in their zones

Game Activity - Putting it all together - 8v8 with three zones Organization - Three-quarter field with three zones - Allow teams to discern own formations (Figure 4)  Coaching Points - Connecting lines for transition and penetration  Figure 4: Go full field or 3/4 field for 8v8 with three zones. - Restrict movements to create successful offensive transition between lines - Vary environment to get desired transition = numbers in each zone, movement restrictions, etc.