Three Zone Drive

Objective

• -Progress through zones
• -Keep forward momentum
• -Choose when to carry or pass

Setup

1. 1Divide a 45 x 25 yard pitch into three horizontal zones with cones.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Place one spare ball with the coach for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1Teams must move the ball from their own starting zone into the final zone.
2. 2Players can carry or pass, but they must use a teammate to progress to the next zone.
3. 3Once in the final zone, the team tries to finish into a mini goal or target area.
4. 4If the ball is lost, the other team attacks the opposite direction straight away.
5. 5Keep the game moving with short coaching breaks only.

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

• -Over-dribbling in tight spaces
• -Lack of support ahead
• -Slow change of direction after loss