This game focuses on the best way defenders can deal with a ball that is played into the space behind them.
Split your squad into three teams of four players. Goalkeepers are optional, or you can use a spare player as a sweeper. Attackers start on the 40 yard line.
The red team defends against the white team. A player from the blue team plays the ball over the heads of the white team, the keeper remains in the 6 yard area. Players should react as soon as the ball is played.
If the red team can control the ball and pass it to reach any of the blue team on the halfway line it scores a point. If the white team wins possession it can attack the goal as normal.
Keep playing until a goal is scored or missed, or the ball is played to the blue team. Restart play from the halfway line. If the ball goes into touch continue with a throw in. Whites then switch with the reds and the red team switches with the blue team.
This game focuses on the best way defenders can deal with a ball that is played into the space behind them.
Speed to ball, recovery runs of each player to provide support and cover, communication including keeper, and play forward at the first opportunity.
Area: 40x30 yards with defensive line 25 yards out
Players: 12
Equipment: Goal, balls, cones
“React”
“Can you keep it?”
“Play out”
Allow keepers to come and collect if possible, but the teams must still play out.
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