Keep Ball Gates

Objective

• -Protect the ball under pressure
• -Find simple passing angles
• -Change direction with control

Setup

1. 1Mark out a 20 x 20 yard square with cones.
2. 2Set up four small gates, one on each side of the area.
3. 3Split players into two teams and give one team bibs.
4. 4Start with one ball and place both teams inside the square.

How to play

1. 1Play keep ball inside the square.
2. 2A team scores one point by completing a pass through any gate to a teammate.
3. 3After a score, the same team keeps the ball and looks for the next gate.
4. 4If the ball goes out, the coach restarts from the team that did not touch it last.
5. 5Rotate teams often 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

• -Crowding the ball
• -Forcing risky passes
• -Standing still after passing