Back Line Gates

Objective

• -Keep the ball moving through the back line
• -Help players receive and turn away from pressure
• -Use passing gates to connect play

Setup

1. 1Make a 30 x 20 yard grid with four cone gates on the outside.
2. 2Split players into two teams and give each team three or four players in the build-up zone.
3. 3Place one ball with the starting team near their keeper or deepest player.

How to play

1. 1The team in possession must work the ball through two different cone gates before they can score.
2. 2Players in the back area must keep moving to offer clear passing options.
3. 3Defenders try to win the ball and counter through any gate.
4. 4If the ball goes out, restart with the team that last had clear control.
5. 5Change which gates count each round to keep players scanning and adjusting.

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

• -Too many players standing behind the ball
• -Passing into crowded areas
• -Watching the ball instead of moving to help