Two Zone Lock

Objective

• -Keep the team compact across two zones
• -Defend both sides of the pitch
• -Switch between pressing and screening

Setup

1. 1Split the pitch into two equal zones with cones.
2. 2Play 5v5 or 6v6, with one team starting in each zone.
3. 3Use bibs for each team and balls ready at the coach's feet.

How to play

1. 1The ball can move freely between the zones.
2. 2Defenders in the nearest zone press, while the other zone squeezes in behind.
3. 3If the ball crosses the line, players must react and shift quickly.
4. 4Score by dribbling through a target gate at the end of the pitch.
5. 5Restart from the coach after a score or out of play.

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

• -Leaving one zone open
• -Following the ball too early
• -Poor spacing between lines