Corner Gate Possession

Objective

• -Keep the ball in a tight area
• -Use simple support passes
• -Stay calm under pressure

Setup

1. 1Make a small 18 x 14 yard rectangle.
2. 2Place a small gate in each corner with cones.
3. 3Split players into two teams with bibs for one team.
4. 4Start with one ball and all players inside the area.

How to play

1. 1The team in possession scores by passing through a corner gate to a teammate.
2. 2The receiver must control the ball before the next action.
3. 3Defenders try to close space and win the ball.
4. 4If the ball leaves the area, the other team restarts.
5. 5Keep rotations quick so everyone attacks and defends.

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 too close together
• -Heavy first touch
• -Watching the ball instead of moving