Box to Goal

Objective

• -Receive in a crowded area
• -Turn and finish
• -React quickly to loose balls

Setup

1. 1Mark a 20 x 18 yard box with cones and place a mini goal at one end.
2. 2Split players into two queues at the opposite end with balls.
3. 3Place one or two passive defenders in the box if numbers allow.

How to play

1. 1The first attacker dribbles or passes into the box and tries to create a shooting chance.
2. 2The attacker must take at least one touch before finishing at the mini goal.
3. 3If a defender wins the ball, they can play out to the next attacker waiting outside.
4. 4After each attack, the shooter joins the back of the queue.
5. 5Vary the entry point to keep the game fresh.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Taking too many touches
• -Shooting without balance
• -Crowding the same space