Steal and Score

Objective

• -Win the ball and break quickly
• -Choose the right moment to tackle
• -Switch from defending to attacking

Setup

1. 1Set up a central area with a mini goal at each end.
2. 2Pairs or trios play inside the area with a coach supply of balls.
3. 3Players start in front of the coach with one attacker in possession.

How to play

1. 1The attacker tries to score in either mini goal.
2. 2The defender delays, tackles and looks to win cleanly.
3. 3After a win, the defending player has three seconds to score.
4. 4If the ball goes out, the coach feeds in a new one straight away.
5. 5Rotate defenders often to keep work high.

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

• -Tackling from too far away
• -Switching off after the regain
• -Trying to win it with a wild lunge