Goal Line Guard

Objective

• -Defend the space in front of goal
• -Screen shots and blocks
• -Clear rebounds safely

Setup

1. 1Set up a full-size goal with a small shooting area in front.
2. 2Use two defenders, one goalkeeper and two attackers.
3. 3Place a couple of balls with the coach on the edge of the area.

How to play

1. 1The coach serves a ball into the attacking pair.
2. 2Defenders set the line, block the shot and stop the forward pass.
3. 3If a shot comes in, the goalkeeper and defenders work together on the second ball.
4. 4If defenders win it, they clear to the side or to a target cone.
5. 5Rotate every few 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

• -Backing off into the goal
• -Turning side-on too late
• -Not reacting to loose balls