End Zone Links

Objective

• -Keep possession and progress forward
• -Find space in end zones
• -Link play through the middle

Setup

1. 1Mark a 30 x 20 yard pitch with a two-yard end zone at each end.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Place a ball with the coach to start.
4. 4Make sure both teams begin in the main playing area, not in the end zones.

How to play

1. 1Teams keep possession and score by passing to a teammate standing in the end zone.
2. 2The receiver must control the ball and can then play back into the main area.
3. 3Defenders may enter the end zone to press but cannot block the start line.
4. 4When the ball is lost, the other team starts from where it was won.
5. 5Encourage quick support into and out of the end zones.

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

• -Crowding the end zone
• -Passes with no purpose
• -Standing after supporting