Base Line Pass

Objective

• -Use a set base line to build attacks
• -Support the first pass with good spacing
• -Play through pressure into the middle third

Setup

1. 1Mark a 50 x 35 yard pitch with a base line zone at each end.
2. 2Split players into two teams and place each goalkeeper in the base line zone.
3. 3Use cones to show the width of the build-up zone.

How to play

1. 1Every attack must begin in the base line zone with the goalkeeper or a defender.
2. 2The team scores extra if they play out cleanly from the base zone before scoring.
3. 3The press may enter the base zone only once the first pass is made.
4. 4If the ball is won, the other team counterattacks straight away.
5. 5Keep the games short and rotate teams often.

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

• -Crowding the base zone
• -Too many hopeful clearances
• -Running past the ball without supporting