Setup
Within each half of each third of the court, spend some time mapping out where each player will become the primary target, and what areas of space they lead into.
Step 1
As a basic rule of thumb for, leads should be structured as follows.
Option 1: Long+direct down-court, to a player in the same ball-side passing lane
Option 2: Switch passing lanes to a player down-court
Option 3: Cross passing lanes to a player who has lead from behind the passer
Step 2
Start in the defensive third under - but slightly to one side - of the post, with the GK simulating taking a rebound. Have no defenders at this stage, and don't use balls. Players can start from where they'd normally start during an opposition shot on goal.
Divide up the space so [GD & WD] work one side of the court each.
The side of the post the transition starts from will determine the first passing option. This player leads into space, respecting the appropriate
passing lanesThe second+third passing options needs to move away from where the first option will lead
Step 3
Simulating a situation where the first option is covered, the second option leads into their space
This can often be the space made vacant by the first passing option.
Step 4
Simulating a situation where the second option is covered, the third option leads into their space
This is often a crossed ball, but as mentioned, respect passing lanes and don't incite risky passes.
Step 5
After a few dry-runs, introduce actual defenders and a ball and simulate match conditions. Once the first pass is made, stop the drill and reset.
You may need to make adjustments once put under the scrutiny of real match conditions.
Step 6
Once you have formulated a solid pattern from this initial starting position, move the starting position. Repeat again as a dry-run without defenders, then add defenders. Repeat as many times as desired in the defensive third from various different starting positions.
Step 7
Once you have mapped out everyone's space and the order of leads from various places in the defensive third, repeat from various places in the centre third.
Again, map out the space and order of the leads, firstly by performing dry-runs without the ball.
Perform under match conditions, stopping after 1 pass is completed.
Step 8
The final progression - and the real test - is to start from defence, simulating match conditions, but don't stop after the first pass.
Players won't have time to initiate their lead from the ideal position, as they will be coming from where their last lead took them.
Make adjustments for the second pass from defence after testing the effectiveness of your system.