Back To Front Game

Objective

• -Create repeated long runs in attack and defence
• -Train quick transition moments
• -Build football fitness in a match feel

Setup

1. 1Mark a pitch with a mini goal at each end.
2. 2Split players into two teams and place one team at each end line to start.
3. 3Start with the ball in the middle and the coach ready with spares.
4. 4Keep the space medium-sized for lots of movement.

How to play

1. 1The team in possession attacks the far mini goal.
2. 2If the ball changes hands, the new team attacks straight away in the opposite direction.
3. 3Players must sprint to support play every time possession changes.
4. 4When the ball goes out, restart quickly with the coach's ball.
5. 5Rotate players often so the work stays high.

Progressions

• +Progressive Tempo: add a fourth maximal round
• +Ball For Every Player: shrink the working area
• +Reaction Start: two cues, one a decoy
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Progressive Tempo: stay at the first two tempos only
• -Ball For Every Player: bigger area, share a ball between two
• -Reaction Start: coach counts players in
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Progressive Tempo — Three rounds: 60% pace, 80% pace, then match pace with full recovery between.
• -Ball For Every Player — Every player works with their own ball so no one waits in a queue.
• -Reaction Start — Every repetition begins from a visual or audio cue rather than a set count.
• -Partner Race — Players work in matched pairs and race each repetition, best of five.
• -Mobility Focus — Each round finishes with a controlled mobility hold for the hips, groin and ankles.
• -Change Of Direction — Add a 90 or 180 degree turn into every repetition before the finish.
• -Team Target — The whole group works to a shared score target and repeats the round if they miss it.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Stopping after losing the ball
• -Leaving the attacker isolated
• -Slow restarts after the ball goes out