Shadow Shape Hold

Objective

• -Build a clear possession shape
• -Move into helpful positions
• -Prepare for game-style build-up

Setup

1. 1Mark a 30 x 30 yard square.
2. 2Place cones to show four key areas: back, middle and both sides.
3. 3Arrange players in their usual positions without defenders at first.
4. 4Keep balls with the coach for repeated starts.

How to play

1. 1Players move the ball around the shape without pressure.
2. 2The coach calls where the next pass should go and the team shifts into position.
3. 3Add a simple defender later to increase pressure.
4. 4If the shape breaks, stop and reset quickly.
5. 5Finish with a short free-flowing build-up sequence.

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 lines between players
• -Ball-watching
• -Poor body shape to receive