Four Corner Exit

Objective

• -Wake players up with build-up movements
• -Practise receiving and passing out of pressure
• -Introduce simple angles and support

Setup

1. 1Set up a square with a small cone gate in each corner.
2. 2Place players in groups of three or four, with one ball per group.
3. 3Start each group in a different corner so the space stays busy.

How to play

1. 1Players pass from one corner to another, using the next player to help the ball escape the pressure side.
2. 2After each pass, the passer follows the ball into the next space.
3. 3When the coach calls pressure, the nearest player closes down the receiver.
4. 4Keep the ball moving and change direction often.
5. 5Finish each round by having players burst into open space after the pass.

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

• -Everyone chasing the same corner
• -Standing still after passing
• -Soft passes that get caught