Breakthrough Theory Page | Big Goal/Small Goal | Combinations
Space Cowboy | Doctor Diagnoso

Combinations and How to Teach Them

Combinations are tricky ways to get past the last line of defense. They can be used in other parts of the field as well. They can be taught using some variation of Run the Gauntlet or Team Gauntlet, and applied during games of Space Cowboy.

Run-On Combination

This is a popular way to break through the offside line. A player runs toward that imaginary line, and reaches it as a teammate passes (see diagram). The timing is the key. If the ball is passed too soon, a defender will reach it first. If it’s passed too late, the running player could be offside.

To teach and practice this combination, use Space Cowboy. Virtually every scoring attempt involves a run-on of some kind.

Give-and-Go Combination (Wall Pass)

Another way to break through the offside line, this combination can be used anywhere else as well. It’s actually a type of run-on. A player passes to a teammate, runs past the offside line, and gathers in the teammate’s one-touch pass.

To teach and practice this combination,use Run the Gauntlet (below) or Space Cowboy.

A neutral player to the side is required. Each dribbler can either take on the first defender or pass to the neutral player, who one-touches the ball behind the defender. The dribbler gathers the ball in, and takes on the second defender without help.

The Overlap Run

With the overlap run, one player overtakes and runs past the player with the ball. Two variations are shown in the diagram below. The running player can loop behind and around the ball. Or the running player can run straight past the ball. While making an overlap run, a player will usually yell, “Overlap!” or “Hold!” The player making the overlap run will often find open space on the other side of the ball. The ball can either be passed to that player, or faked.

Teach this using Team Gauntlet (below) or Space Cowboy.

On a Gauntlet course, walk through the overlap run and/or the diagonal run (explained next). Then, require players to begin each try with one of these runs. To practice overlap runs, the player with the ball must begin toward the middle of the course.

The Diagonal Run

With a diagonal run, a player slants from one section of the field to another (see diagram). The run could be made toward a touch line, or toward the middle. Once again, the player with the ball may either pass it or keep it.

Teach this using Team Gauntlet (see above) or Space Cowboy. The diagonal run tends to confuse players when they try it on a Gauntlet course. The ball must usually be passed straight forward.

Takeover Combination

In the takeover combination, a dribbler and a teammate move past each other in opposite directions. The teammate may either take the ball or leave it. Defenders must figure out who has the ball and whom to cover.

Teach this using Team Gauntlet (below) or Space Cowboy.

On the Gauntlet course, first walk through a takeover combination. Then, have teams of two give it a try. The player without the ball runs past the player with the ball, and can either take the ball or leave it. Then, the two players get through the course by passing or dribbling.

Dummy Combination

In the dummy combination, a player pretends to receive the ball, but lets it run through to a teammate. Two typical dummy scenarios are shown. In one, your player pretends to shoot the ball, but lets it run through to an awaiting teammate. In the other, your player lets the ball roll past the offside line to a running teammate.

Teach this using Team Gauntlet (below) or Space Cowboy.

Two teammates begin just in front of the first defensive zone. The coach rolls a ball across. The closest player may either gather in the ball, or let it roll past for a dummy combination that hopefully fools the defender. The two players then must get past both defenders.