The shape
The centre stands in the centre circle with the ball. Wing attack and goal attack stand on the transverse line of our attacking third, one either side, toes behind the line until the whistle. Wing defence and goal defence are on our defensive third line, the goal keeper is deep and the goal shooter is already on the edge of the attacking circle. On the whistle the wing attack and goal attack drive into the centre third, one short and one long, so the centre has two options moving away from each other.
Roles
- Centre. Takes the pass from the umpire, scans both leads and releases within three seconds, then follows the ball to the circle edge as the second option.
- Wing attack. The first-choice receiver. Drives from the line, takes the ball and turns to feed the circle, then lives on the circle edge.
- Goal attack. Leads the opposite way, longer and wider. If not used first, cuts into the circle as the second-phase target.
- Goal shooter. Holds on the back edge of the circle, then offers a strong hold near the post as soon as the wing attack has the ball.
- Wing defence and goal defence. Step into the centre third as a safe option if both forward leads are shut, then recover ready for the turnover.
- Goal keeper. Stays deep on the opposing goal shooter and watches for the quick counter if the pass is intercepted.
Strengths
- Two leads moving apart make a double mark impossible.
- The centre has a safe back-up in the wing defence.
- A clean first pass puts the ball on the circle edge in three passes.
- Everyone knows where to stand, so it works under pressure.
Weaknesses
- Leads that break early are offside and the ball goes to the opposition.
- If both leads go the same way the centre is left with a long pass or a held ball.
- A slow wing attack lets the wing defence read the lead and intercept.
- Three seconds goes quickly when the centre hesitates.
When to use it
This is the attacking centre pass for any team from under 12s to adult, and the one to drill until it is automatic. It suits a wing attack who is quick off the line and a centre who can read two options at once. Vary the first receiver when the opposing wing defence starts anticipating.
What to coach in training
- Centre pass repetitions against a live wing defence and goal defence: the centre must find a receiver within three seconds. Twelve passes, then swap the defenders.
- Timing off the line: attackers react to the whistle with a coach calling any early step. Add a feint before the drive once the timing is clean.
- Three-pass goal: centre to wing attack, wing attack to goal attack cutting in, goal attack to goal shooter on the post. Count how many of ten end in a shot.
Works well against
It copes well with one-on-one marking, because the two leads force the wing defence and goal defence to choose. It also handles a half-court press, since the wing defence stepping in gives a free pass behind the pressers. A well-drilled zone that fills the centre third is harder, because the leads run into bodies and the first pass goes backwards.
