Target-Man Link Game

Playing forward into a striker's feet and playing off the layoff — the link-play pattern under game pressure.

5v5 plus a target striker for each team stationed in a zone near the opponent's goal.

1. Normal game, but a goal only counts if the move went through the target's feet first.
2. The target lays off and can then join the attack for that phase.
3. Defenders can screen the target but not enter the target zone.
4. Rotate the target player every few minutes.

• Look forward early — the pass into the target is always the first option to check.
• Hit the target's feet firmly; bouncing balls get eaten by screens.
• Target: hold, feel the marker, lay off into the arriving runner's path.
• Third-man runs off the layoff arrive facing goal — that's the goal-scoring picture.

• Teams forget the target and score 'normal' goals that don't count — the frustration IS the teaching; keep the rule.
• Passes into the target are floated and slow — drill the firm grass-cutter into feet.
• Nobody runs off the layoff so the target turns alone into traffic — the layoff needs an arriving player every time.

• The target's marker may enter the zone — live duel.
• Layoffs must be one-touch.
• Goals within two passes of the layoff count double.

• Bigger target zone, no screening allowed.
• Add a second target option per team.
• Possession team gets a numbers-up neutral.

• Goals must come through the target's touch — no exceptions.