Pause And Play

Objective

• -Improve calm first touch under pressure
• -Use a brief pause before passing forward
• -Help players recognise the next option

Setup

1. 1Create a 20 x 20 yard square with two small scoring gates on opposite sides.
2. 2Work with three attackers building out against two defenders.
3. 3Keep all players inside the square, with spare balls beside the coach.

How to play

1. 1The coach serves a ball to the build-up team to start each round.
2. 2The first receiver must take a touch, pause if needed, then play into a gate or a teammate beyond the defenders.
3. 3Defenders try to press and win the ball inside the square.
4. 4If the attackers score, the coach immediately serves a new ball.
5. 5Switch the defending pair often so the work stays sharp.

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

• -Panicking on receipt
• -Passing before control is set
• -Standing still after the first pass