Halfway Rebuild

Objective

• -Rebuild attacks after winning the ball back
• -Link the back line into midfield quickly
• -Improve the first pass after transition

Setup

1. 1Mark a 40 x 30 yard area with a halfway line and mini goals at each end.
2. 2Place two teams with one goalkeeper each and four players ready to build from deep.
3. 3Keep spare balls with the coach for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1When a team wins the ball, they must first play back into a deep player before attacking.
2. 2The deep player can be a goalkeeper, centre back or pivot.
3. 3Once the rebuild pass is made, the team can score in the mini goals.
4. 4If the ball is lost, the other team counterattacks immediately.
5. 5Rotate the deepest player regularly so everyone learns the role.

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

• -Rushing straight into contact
• -No player dropping to help
• -Playing without a clear reset option