Triangle Hunt

Objective

• -Work as a pair to win the ball
• -Track runners and passing lanes
• -Keep the team compact

Setup

1. 1Mark three small cone gates in a triangle shape.
2. 2Play 3v3 or 4v4 inside the area with spare balls nearby.
3. 3Each team defends two gates and attacks one gate.

How to play

1. 1The attacking team keeps possession and looks to dribble or pass through a gate.
2. 2Defenders work together: one presses, the other covers the next pass.
3. 3If the ball is won, the new team keeps possession straight away.
4. 4Score one point for a gate passed through under control.
5. 5Restart quickly after every score or ball out.

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

• -Both defenders chasing the ball
• -Leaving big gaps between players
• -Standing still when the ball moves