Gate Support Game

Objective

• -Keep the ball moving
• -Use team shape to support play
• -Create passing lanes into space

Setup

1. 1Mark out a 25 x 20 yard rectangle.
2. 2Place six gates around the outside edges using cones.
3. 3Split players into two teams with bibs.
4. 4Give each team a goal to keep possession and travel through gates.

How to play

1. 1Teams play 3v3, 4v4 or 5v5 inside the area.
2. 2A point is scored when a team passes the ball cleanly through any gate to a teammate.
3. 3The receiving player must control the ball inside the area before play continues.
4. 4If the ball is won, the new team attacks straight away.
5. 5Encourage players to move after every pass to open a new angle.

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 passing shape
• -Poor first touch
• -Hunting the ball instead of supporting