Five Second Find

Objective

• -React quickly after losing the ball
• -Find an opponent fast
• -Get back into shape

Setup

1. 1Make a small box with cones and split the group into two bib colours.
2. 2Every player has a partner or nearest opponent to find.
3. 3Start everyone moving freely inside the area.

How to play

1. 1Players jog and change direction on the coach's call.
2. 2When the coach shouts 'lose it', the nearest player must touch an opponent and recover position.
3. 3The other players fill space and support behind.
4. 4After five seconds, the coach stops play and resets.
5. 5Keep it fast, simple and active.

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

• -Standing and watching
• -Slow reactions to the call
• -Running past the danger