Mini Triangle Game

Objective

• -Wake players up with the ball
• -Use quick passing triangles
• -Prepare for possession work

Setup

1. 1Set up a square area with cones.
2. 2Create several small triangle stations around the area.
3. 3Give one ball per trio if possible.
4. 4Keep players moving between stations.

How to play

1. 1Players work in threes to pass and move around their triangle.
2. 2After passing, the player follows the ball to the next cone.
3. 3On the coach's call, groups change direction or start a new triangle.
4. 4Keep the tempo lively and the touches clean.
5. 5Finish with a short team circle and ball-at-feet movement.

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

• -Static passing
• -Heavy touches
• -Poor spacing in the triangle