Throw-In Towers

Objective

• -Use heading from long throw situations
• -Time movement from a restart
• -Link throw-ins to aerial duels

Setup

1. 1Mark a throw-in lane down one side of a small pitch.
2. 2Set one thrower, two attackers and two defenders in the box area.
3. 3Use cones to show a safe landing zone.

How to play

1. 1The thrower sends a long throw into the marked area.
2. 2Attackers and defenders compete for the first header.
3. 3The ball must be headed on before anyone can finish a goal.
4. 4After each restart, players return to their marks and try again.
5. 5Rotate the thrower every few turns.

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

• -Waiting flat-footed for the throw
• -Crowding the thrower too soon
• -Trying to score without a first contact