Box And Line

Objective

• -Combine in a box shape and a line shape
• -Keep possession with good spacing
• -Change the point of attack

Setup

1. 1Mark a central box inside a 30 x 20 yard area and a line of cones on one side.
2. 2Place some players in the box and some on the line as outlets.
3. 3Give bibs to one team.
4. 4Start with the ball in the box.

How to play

1. 1The team keeps the ball in the box and looks to play out to the line player.
2. 2The line player can return it first time or after one touch.
3. 3Defenders press the box and try to block the outlet lane.
4. 4After a successful play to the line, the team must rebuild through the box again.
5. 5Rotate the line players regularly.

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

• -Flat passing shape
• -No outlet movement
• -Over-playing in tight space