Back Post Bounce

Objective

• -Attack the back post
• -Use bounce runs for crosses
• -Finish from second-post deliveries

Setup

1. 1Set up a 30 x 25 yard area with a goal and goalkeeper.
2. 2Mark a clear back-post zone with cones.
3. 3Use bibs to split into crossers, front-post runners and back-post runners.
4. 4Keep the server on the wide side.

How to play

1. 1The wide player delivers an early or driven cross toward the box.
2. 2One attacker makes a front-post run to pull defenders with them.
3. 3Another attacker bounces off that run and attacks the back post.
4. 4A finish is scored if the back-post player connects cleanly.
5. 5Reset with a new crosser after each attempt.

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

• -Only attacking the near post
• -Crosses hanging too long
• -Back-post runners being late