• This Clinic is based on Alan Wades Principals of Attack enhanced by over 20 years experience in the art of penetrating soccer.
• The Clinic focus is based on the following functional Principals:

Attacking Principle No.1 - Penetration

As soon as the ball is re-possessed, the first thought should be, "Can we score?"  If not, is there a forward player in an unmarked or advanced where the question then is, "Can we play the ball to him or her"?

The best, and most free-flowing, teams in the world always look forward first even though they won't necessarily play forward if it means just "Hit and Hope!"

Attacking Principle No.2 - Support

To keep possession and to be able to move the ball down the field, the player on the ball needs support.

Forward support, back support and side support, will allow the player with the ball different close supporting options, and put doubts in the minds of the defending players.

The player with the ball is sometimes referred to as the "1st Attacker" as opposed to our delaying 1st Defender.  The player or players giving immediate support are called the "2nd Attacker" or Attackers as there is usually more than one giving close support. 

Attacking Principle No.3 - Width

Stretching the defence is always in the minds of the attacking team.  A team can be stretched vertically and laterally.  The front players will try to push the defence back as far as they will go, but the other important way of stretching the defence is to use the width of the field - either by having players in wide positions or by making runs into wide positions.

Players in wide positions are often away from the ball, sometimes on the "blind side" of the opposition.  As such they are called 3rd Attackers.

Attacking Principle No. 4 - Mobility

Individual speed and the ability to interchange positions are so important in the modern game.  As an attacker moves forwards, sideways, or diagonally, with or without the ball, the opposing team has to adjust and this can unbalance the defence and adversely affect the defensive "shape" and create attacking opportunities.

Attacking Principle No. 5 - Improvisation/Creativity

This is the most exciting principle.  Improvisation is not exclusively reserved for the attacking third, but this is where it is most effective.  Twists, turns, back-heels, dribbles, volleys, overhead kicks, all kinds of creativity have a place here with only limited risks.  If the ball is given up in the Final Third, the opposition still has to penetrate through two-thirds of the field to even get a shot on goal - so that "risks" are worth taking.