Bounce Wall Game

Objective

• -Use bounce players to keep the ball
• -Break pressure with one-twos
• -Hold possession with quick support

Setup

1. 1Mark a 25 x 18 yard area.
2. 2Place one bounce player on each long side outside the pitch.
3. 3Split the rest into two teams inside the area with bibs for one team.
4. 4Start with the ball in the middle.

How to play

1. 1The team in possession can use the bounce players at any time.
2. 2Bounce players are neutral and play for the team with the ball.
3. 3A point is scored after a bounce pass and a clean return into the area.
4. 4Defenders press to stop the link and win the ball.
5. 5Swap the bounce players and inside players every few minutes.

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

• -Hitting bounce players too hard
• -No movement after the lay-off
• -Ignoring simple options