Free Player Hunt

Objective

• -Find the spare player quickly
• -Keep the ball under pressure
• -Create overloads around the ball

Setup

1. 1Mark a 22 x 18 yard rectangle.
2. 2Place one free player on the outside of the area on each long side.
3. 3Split the rest into two teams inside the pitch with bibs for one team.
4. 4Keep spare balls next to the coach for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1The team in possession must use one of the free players before they can score a point.
2. 2A point is scored when the ball is played into a free player and then returned first time or with one touch control.
3. 3The free players stay on the outside and support whichever team has the ball.
4. 4Defenders can press hard and try to intercept passes inside the area.
5. 5Swap the free players every few 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

• -Ignoring the free player
• -Over-hitting passes
• -Watching instead of moving