Diamond Links

Objective

• -Use a diamond shape to support possession
• -Switch play through central support
• -Create passing angles all around

Setup

1. 1Mark a large diamond with cones, roughly 28 x 28 yards.
2. 2Place one player on each point of the diamond and the rest inside as support players.
3. 3Give bibs to the team in possession.
4. 4Keep one ball with the coach ready to restart if needed.

How to play

1. 1Players keep the ball using the diamond points and central support.
2. 2The ball must be played from one point to another, with central players helping to link play.
3. 3Defenders press the ball and try to win it back inside the diamond.
4. 4A point is scored for ten completed passes or a full circle of the diamond.
5. 5Rotate the point players often so everyone experiences different angles.

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 support
• -Too much time on the ball
• -Forcing passes through traffic