Striker Hold-Up Play and Link (3-Zone Target Game)

Field split into three zones. Target striker (in top zone) receives from a midfielder in the middle zone with a defender tight behind. Striker holds, lays back into the middle zone to a runner. Rotate players through all roles every three minutes.

• Get across the defender's body to shield — use your backside, not your arm
• First touch away from pressure, not into it
• Communicate the lay-off clearly so the runner times the run

• Allow the striker to turn if the defender is passive — reward good body position
• Add a second defender to make the hold-up harder and the lay-off more urgent