Box Out Battle

Objective

• -Defend a space rather than chase the man
• -Shield the middle of the area
• -Win possession in tight spaces

Setup

1. 1Mark a square with a small scoring box in the middle.
2. 2Pairs play 1v1 inside the square.
3. 3Each player starts on the outside with one ball between them.

How to play

1. 1The attacker tries to dribble into the middle box and stop the ball there.
2. 2The defender blocks the route and tries to poke it away safely.
3. 3If the defender wins it, they dribble to the edge of the square.
4. 4If the attacker scores, they get a point and the pair reset.
5. 5Change roles after every two turns.

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

• -Diving in
• -Following the ball too tightly
• -Turning your back on the attacker