Bounce Back

Objective

• -Recover after an initial press
• -Track the next pass
• -Win the second ball

Setup

1. 1Mark a square with two small outside feeder zones.
2. 2Players work in groups of three or four, with one ball to start.
3. 3Two defenders begin inside the square and attackers feed from outside.

How to play

1. 1An attacker passes into the square and follows the ball.
2. 2The first defender presses, while the second covers the next option.
3. 3After the pass, the attackers move to receive the next ball.
4. 4If the defenders win it, they pass out to a feeder and reset.
5. 5Keep the sequence flowing with short bursts.

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

• -Both defenders going at the ball
• -Switching off after the first pass
• -Slow recovery of shape