Line Step Shift

Objective

• -Move as a defensive line
• -Keep the team compact side to side
• -Track the ball with the whole unit

Setup

1. 1Mark a rectangular area with a centre channel and two wide lanes.
2. 2Set up four defenders across one side and attackers opposite.
3. 3Use cones to show where the defensive line should move.

How to play

1. 1The attacking team passes or dribbles across the area.
2. 2The defenders shuffle together, keeping the same line and distance.
3. 3When the ball goes wide, the whole line shifts across.
4. 4If the defenders win it, they pass to the coach and reset.
5. 5Work in short bursts with quick restarts.

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

• -One player stepping out alone
• -Large gaps between defenders
• -Crossing legs while shuffling