Box Breaker Game

Objective

• -Keep possession under pressure
• -Break into a target box
• -Attack with patience

Setup

1. 1Mark a 30 x 25 yard pitch and divide the end of the pitch into a small target box with cones.
2. 2Split players into two equal teams and give bibs to one side.
3. 3Place a ball at the side for restarts.
4. 4Position the target box at one end only, so play is directional.

How to play

1. 1Teams play to keep the ball and then break into the target box with a pass or a dribble.
2. 2A point is scored when a player receives the ball under control inside the box.
3. 3Defenders can recover and win the ball anywhere on the pitch.
4. 4After a score or turnover, the coach restarts from the halfway area.
5. 5Encourage patience until the right gap appears.

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

• -Early forced balls
• -Standing off the play
• -Poor timing into the box