Box to Box Loft

Objective

• -Attack and defend high balls in open play
• -Finish from headed chances
• -Build bravery and timing in live football

Setup

1. 1Create a small pitch with a full-size goal at one end and cone goals or a target end at the other.
2. 2Split into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Keep spare balls around the outside for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1Coach starts each attack with a lofted ball into midfield.
2. 2Teams play free, but goals can also come from a headed finish.
3. 3If the ball goes out, restart straight away with another high serve.
4. 4Encourage players to use heading in open play, not only at set pieces.
5. 5Rotate players every few minutes if numbers are large.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Backing off every high ball
• -Heading without looking at space
• -Standing under the ball and waiting