Set Up:

Players run three player attacking patterns to goal, using the mannequins as the offsides line. Emphasis is placed on letting the play develop and in timing the finishing runs to goal.

Diagram 1 – Player 1 passes up to Player 2, then runs an overlap around him. Player 2 passes square to Player 3, and Player 3 sends Player 1 thru to finish on goal.

Diagram 2 – Player 1 passes up to Player 2, Player 2 turns and dribbles at goal. He fakes a shot in the center, and then sends Player 1 or 3 thru to finish on goal.

Diagram 3 – Players 1 and 2 double pass as Player 3 runs an overlap. Player 1 sends Player 3 thru to goal.

*Fourth option (not pictured) - Player 1 passes up to Player 2 and overlaps him. Player 2 touches the ball towards the center, then plays it back outside to Player 1. Player 1 strikes a one touch thru pass to Player 3.

Coaching Points:

1.   Visual Cues – Watch the play develop and anticipate when the thru pass is going to be made.

2.   Timing – Hold your run if technical errors are made and an extra touch needs to be taken.

3.   Vision – Spot the goalkeeper before you make your first touch on the thru pass.

4.   Finishing – Create a shooting angle with your first touch and make the keeper move.

Progressions:

1.   Add more mannequins to increase the difficulty of the thru pass.

2.   Add one or two defenders to the play rather than using mannequins.