Support and Score

Objective

• -Keep possession to create a chance
• -Support the ball carrier
• -Finish when space opens

Setup

1. 1Mark a 36 x 24 yard pitch with two mini goals at each end.
2. 2Play 4v4, 5v5 or 6v6 and use bibs for teams.
3. 3Place spare balls by the coach for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1Play normal small-sided football with no special stoppages.
2. 2Encourage teams to keep support close enough for a pass but far enough to stretch defenders.
3. 3When a gap opens, players should attack the goal quickly.
4. 4Restart immediately after goals or balls out of play.
5. 5Praise good team movements as well as goals.

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

• -All players ball-watching
• -Forcing risky passes too early
• -Slow reactions after regains