Shield the Zone

Objective

• -Defend a key zone
• -Work as a pair inside a compact space
• -Force play around the outside

Setup

1. 1Mark a central box and a wider outer lane.
2. 2Play 2v2 or 3v3 with defenders protecting the box.
3. 3Attackers start in the outer lane with a ball.

How to play

1. 1Attackers try to carry or pass the ball into the central box.
2. 2Defenders stay connected and block the entry pass or dribble.
3. 3If defenders win it, they play out into the outer lane.
4. 4After a score or turnover, restart from the coach.
5. 5Keep the work moving at a steady pace.

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

• -Chasing into the outer lane
• -Opening the box with poor body shape
• -Not recovering when the ball moves