Session plan
Attacking on breakaways
Getting started
Setup
Choose players to see your setup
Groups & equipment
Choose the number of players to see groups and the equipment you'll need.
Groups
Equipment
Warm-up
- One lap plus dynamic stretches, keep it quick and focused.
- Don't worry about a hit-up, just dive straight into the session.
- Sort players into groups by skill level during the warm-up.
Kick-off
- Briefly explain the session and skill focus.
- Split into groups.
- Coaches start with their groups.
Developing awareness
Tennis ball touchdown
Focus
- Looking off the ball, finding space and connecting with teammates.
Time
- 5 mins
Rules
- No sticks. Start with a jump ball.
- Catch and stop, no running with the ball.
- No contact, intercept or block only.
- Dropped or blocked ball = turnover.
- Complete 3 passes before entering the end zone. Defenders stay out.
Small game
No talking
Focus
- Build the habit of looking off the ball.
Time
- 10 mins, break after 5.
Rules
- One team talks. The other stays silent.
- Main goal: push only, from close range.
- Other goals: run the ball through either.
- No turnovers after goals.
- Switch sides & talking team after 5 mins.
Attacking on breakaways (3 v 2)
The skill
How to do this skill
- Create a rule that the initial pass must go wide, but then the key goal is to get the ball back to the middle player.
- Take players through the different types of scenarios, essentially creating 2 v 2, 2 v 1 situations from earlier lessons.
- Practise each scenario in isolation, then try doing it in a competitive 3 v 2 exercise.
When to use
- You’re on a breakaway with 3 attackers versus 2 defenders.
How to teach this skill
Demonstrate the full skill
Before starting, explain the concepts when doing a 3 v 2. Emphasise the key goal, getting the ball back to the middle player.
1Give the early pass
- Second defender is sitting off wide teammate.
- Give the pass, and then find the spare attacker breaking in behind.
2Create a 2 v 1
- Second defender marks the wide player tightly.
- There is now room to do a 2 v 1 on the right.
3Split the defence
- Both defenders are hedging between marking and defending space.
- Run at the back defender to ‘square them up’, pass in behind them.
3 v 2 competitive
Focus
- Experimenting with different concepts.
Time
- 10 mins, everyone has a turn defending.
Coaching tips
- Avoid directing during the drill.
- Focus only on this skill.
- Praise attempts, not just success.
- Ask questions as players go through.
Small game
Focus
- Attacking on breakaways.
Time
- 10 mins, break and swap ends after 5.
Coaching tips
- Avoid directing during the game.
- Focus only on this skill.
- Praise attempts, not just success.
- Ask questions after the game.