Two Goal Shield

Objective

• -Protect two goals at once
• -Decide when to press and when to hold
• -Improve 1v1 and 2v2 defending

Setup

1. 1Place two mini goals at one end and two at the other.
2. 2Play 3v3, 4v4 or 5v5 in the middle area.
3. 3Each team attacks both goals at the opposite end.

How to play

1. 1Play free with normal scoring into either goal.
2. 2The team out of possession must protect both goals by keeping shape.
3. 3If the ball goes into a goal, restart quickly from the coach.
4. 4Encourage defenders to show play away from the more dangerous goal.
5. 5Change sides halfway through.

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

• -All players chasing the ball
• -Leaving one goal open
• -Standing too deep and passive