Corner To Centre

Objective

• -Play out using both side options
• -Switch the ball from one side of the back line to the other
• -Teach patience before going forward

Setup

1. 1Mark a rectangle with a cone square in each corner.
2. 2Place a small team in one corner square and two pressing players nearby.
3. 3Leave the opposite corner square as the target area to play into.

How to play

1. 1The ball starts in one corner square with the team in possession.
2. 2They must work the ball out of the corner and transfer it to the opposite corner square.
3. 3The press tries to trap the ball and win it back before the switch is made.
4. 4If the ball is won, the press keeps it until the coach stops play.
5. 5Change the starting corner each round so players learn to adjust their angles.

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

• -Hiding behind opponents
• -Playing the same pass under pressure
• -No width on the weak side