Split Gate Finish

Objective

• -Create space with movement
• -Combine before shooting
• -Finish quickly after receiving

Setup

1. 1Mark a 25 x 20 yard area with a central channel and two end zones using cones.
2. 2Place one mini goal in each end zone.
3. 3Split players into two teams, with one team starting in the middle and the other at one end with balls.

How to play

1. 1The team in the middle keeps possession and looks to pass into either end zone.
2. 2A player must receive in the end zone before they can shoot at the mini goal.
3. 3After each attempt, the ball returns to the starting team and play restarts straight away.
4. 4Rotate roles every few minutes so all players attack and defend.
5. 5Encourage quick support runs and early passes into space.

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

• -Standing still after passing
• -Forcing shots from far out
• -Poor first touch under pressure