This is a fast, technical game that forces central defenders to support the attack and get themselves on the score sheet. It also shows them how hard they have to work to get back to defend if the ball is lost.

 

Set up

Set up an area of 50x40 yards with a normal goal at one end and two target goals at the other. We’ve used 14 players. You will need bibs, balls and cones.

 

How to play

Play a team of six against a team of five plus a goalkeeper, with two wide players that either team can use. The team of six has three central defenders and the team of five has two central defenders who are the only players on the team that can score – but they must play in a tactical role as defenders.

 

Technique

This is a good work-out to teach defensive responsibilities when in attack. Attacking defenders can be the winning difference in teams because often the opposition will fail to pick them up in open play. There are different targets at each end of the pitch that will test the goal scoring prowess of your players.