Three Zone Escape

Objective

• -Break pressure by moving through zones
• -Link defence into midfield with clear support
• -Recognise when to carry or pass

Setup

1. 1Split the pitch into three horizontal zones with cones.
2. 2Place a goal or target at the far end and a start line with the goalkeeper at the near end.
3. 3Set up two pressing players in the first zone and two support players in the middle zone.

How to play

1. 1Play starts with the goalkeeper or centre back in the first zone.
2. 2The team must pass out of the first zone into the middle zone, then progress into the final zone.
3. 3Pressers can only enter the first zone at the start, then join in once the ball moves forward.
4. 4If the ball is lost, the pressing team attacks the target straight away.
5. 5Rotate the pressing players often so the challenge stays fresh.

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 traffic
• -Forgetting the support player ahead
• -Poor spacing between the zones