Timed Runs for Strikers
This drill focuses on helping strikers time their runs effectively based on cues from teammates and game situations. Players will practice making quick decisions on when to start their runs, improving their ability to exploit space and create goal-scoring opportunities.
Objective
To enhance the striker's ability to time their runs based on cues rather than hope.
Setup
Set up a rectangular area (20m x 10m) with cones marking the corners. Place two additional cones about 15 meters apart on one side to represent the ball's position. You will need 3-6 players for this drill.
Drill Steps
- 1
Position one player at the cone representing the ball, and the others in a line behind the starting cone.
- 2
The player with the ball will make eye contact with the next player in line, signaling them to time their run.
- 3
As the player with the ball prepares to pass, the next player must time their run towards the far cone, aiming to arrive just as the ball is played.
- 4
After the run is completed, the player who received the ball should then play a pass to another player positioned at the far cone.
- 5
Rotate the players so that everyone has the chance to act as the passer and the runner, reinforcing the timing concept.
Coaching Points
- Encourage players to watch the passer's body language.
- Emphasize starting the run at the right moment — not too early or too late.
- Remind players to keep their heads up to assess the field before making a run.
- Focus on quick acceleration after the cue is given.
Variations
Introduce a defender to make it more challenging, or reduce the distance between cones for younger players.
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