Shift and Steal

Objective

• -Keep the team together when the ball moves
• -Win possession and attack quickly
• -Make defending feel game-like

Setup

1. 1Set out two mini goals at each end of the pitch.
2. 2Play 5v5 or 6v6 with bibs on both teams.
3. 3Place a coach with spare balls on the side.

How to play

1. 1Teams score in either mini goal at the far end.
2. 2When one team loses the ball, the nearest players press and the rest shift across.
3. 3A win of the ball gives a chance to finish quickly.
4. 4If the ball goes out, restart at once with the coach.
5. 5Keep the game flowing with short, sharp rounds.

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

• -Slow reactions to turnovers
• -Over-committing to the ball
• -Poor team spacing