Stop the star player

WHY USE IT

This is a great practice that will help your players defend efficiently when facing a ‘special’ opponent capable of changing the game in a split second. It teaches them to apply immediate pressure and provide fast defensive cover and support.

SET UP

Use an area of 40×30 yards. You need two full size goals, bibs and a good supply of balls. We’ve used 20 players.

HOW TO PLAY

Split your squad into two teams of 10 players including a goalkeeper and split each team into three groups. One group are the special players who need to wear different coloured bibs. The game is a continuous 2v2. When the attacking pair pass the cones, it releases the special player. If he scores it counts double, so the defending pair must try to block him from scoring. The pair that either scores or shoots on their opponents’ goal, stays on to face an attack from the opposition.

COACHING POINTS

Good communication and movement are needed. Defenders must decide how they can stop the special player scoring – even if it means letting another player score. Ideally defenders should block the special player but they should also clear the ball.