Playing in Behind with Through-Ball Zones

Setup

Pitch: Four tall cones mark out the through-ball zones; there is a goal at each end.

Equipment: 4 tall cones, 2 goals and several balls.

Players: Two teams playing 9 vs 9 or 10 vs 10 as well as two goalkeepers.

The game is 9 vs 9 or 10 vs 10 between the through-ball zones.
To finish, balls may be played into the through-ball zone; the striker running in then plays 1 vs 1 against the goalkeeper.
The defending team may no longer intervene at that point and can only prevent the through ball.

Variations:

One defender may follow into the through-ball zone.
For an unpressured build-up, the two centre-backs may go into their own through-ball zone.

Watch for offside. In drills with play in behind, it is a good idea for a coach to take up a position in line with the last defenders — from there offside positions can be spotted well and the movements of the strikers can be coached.