Pocket Prowl

Objective

• -Keep the ball in tight areas
• -Create space through close control
• -Support play with good movement

Setup

1. 1Mark out a small playing area with four corner pockets.
2. 2Split the group into two teams using bibs.
3. 3Place one ball in play and keep a spare ball nearby.

How to play

1. 1Teams try to keep possession and score by dribbling under control into a corner pocket.
2. 2Players must use close touches to escape pressure before entering a pocket.
3. 3If the ball goes out, restart quickly with the coach's spare ball.
4. 4Encourage players to change direction and find new angles of support.
5. 5Play several short rounds with a quick swap of teams if needed.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Herding into the same area
• -Passing or dribbling too fast
• -Not supporting the player on the ball