Find The Free One

Objective

• -Spot and use the free player in build-up
• -Create overloads then switch away
• -Reward scanning and quick decisions

Setup

1. 1Mark a 34 x 24 yard area with a central channel and two wider lanes.
2. 2Set a build-up team of five against four pressers.
3. 3Place two mini goals at the far end for the final pass or finish.

How to play

1. 1The ball starts with the goalkeeper or deepest defender.
2. 2The team must find the free player in any lane before scoring in a mini goal.
3. 3The press tries to block the obvious option and force play backwards.
4. 4If the ball is won, the press scores in the opposite mini goals.
5. 5Change the free player every round so players keep scanning.

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

• -Only looking at the nearest pass
• -Not moving after the pass
• -Trying to dribble through every time