Under Arrest

Outfield players choose an opponent to be marked by and to mark when their team is not in possession of the ball.

For a set time – 5 minutes, say – this is the only player that can tackle you and the only player that you can tackle.

Players must therefore escape to get space to receive the ball or take your player away so that a team mate can attack that space.

Defensively can you stay as close as possible and stop your player getting the ball or scoring?

Creating space for self and others, first touch, dribbling, shooting, crossing, marking/tracking, intercepting.

Area: 36×30 yards
Players: 12, 2 teams of 6
Equipment: 2 goals, 1 ball

Choose an opponent to place under arrest.

Escape your marker to receive the ball in space.

Only tackle the player you have under arrest.

“You’re under arrest, can you get away?”
“Can you stay close?”
“Keep the ball in front of you”

Add a floating player or players who play for both teams but cannot score. This will encourage use and recognition of a player in space.

This game gives a chance to work on the goalkeeper’s distribution (rolling or throwing) into feet or space.