Touchline Trap

Objective

• -Use the touchline as help
• -Trap the attacker near the edge
• -Win the ball safely

Setup

1. 1Mark a long narrow channel with the touchline or cones as one side.
2. 2Set up 2v2 or 3v3 near the channel.
3. 3Keep one end as the scoring area.

How to play

1. 1The attacker starts with the ball and tries to get to the far end.
2. 2Defenders angle the play towards the line and close the escape route.
3. 3When the attacker is pinned, the nearest defender goes for the tackle.
4. 4If the ball is won, the defenders play to the coach or score quickly.
5. 5Rotate the teams after each attack.

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

• -Letting play slip inside
• -Both defenders diving in
• -Arriving square to the attacker