Channel Combine

Objective

• -Play through narrow spaces
• -Keep control under pressure
• -Find quick wall passes

Setup

1. 1Create three long channels with cones across a 30 x 15 yard area.
2. 2Split the group into two teams with one team in bibs.
3. 3Place two players in the middle channel and the rest split in the outside channels.
4. 4Start with a ball in one outside channel.

How to play

1. 1The team in possession must pass from one outside channel into the middle and then into the opposite outside channel.
2. 2The middle players are support options and can help the ball move across.
3. 3Defenders can press in any channel and try to win it back.
4. 4When the ball is lost, the other team starts from the nearest outside channel.
5. 5Rotate the middle players every two 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

• -Standing flat on the line
• -Heavy first touch
• -Rushing the next pass