Wave Recovery

Objective

• -Recover quickly after the ball is lost
• -Sprint back into defensive shape
• -Protect the goal area

Setup

1. 1Mark a central playing area with a small goal at one end and a dribble line at the other.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs and one spare ball.
3. 3Attackers start near the dribble line, defenders start near the goal.

How to play

1. 1The attack starts with a pass or dribble into the area.
2. 2When the ball is lost, the nearest players must recover as fast as they can.
3. 3The defending team tries to stop a shot or dribble through the goal line.
4. 4If the ball is won, play goes straight the other way.
5. 5Rotate groups every few minutes.

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

• -Jogging back after loss
• -Ball watching on recovery
• -Leaving the goal unprotected