Triangle Hold-Up

Objective

• -Create angles in triangles
• -Protect the ball when pressed
• -Link simple combinations

Setup

1. 1Mark three triangles with cones inside an 18 x 18 yard area.
2. 2Put one player at each cone and one spare player on the side per group.
3. 3Use bibs for the pressing team.
4. 4Place balls with the coach and start play into one triangle.

How to play

1. 1The three players in a triangle try to keep the ball for as long as possible.
2. 2The spare player can come in as a bounce option when the coach calls their group.
3. 3The pressing player tries to intercept or force the ball out.
4. 4If the press wins it, they swap with the player who lost it.
5. 5Work in short bursts and reset quickly.

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

• -Passes with no support
• -Turning into pressure
• -Ball watching after passing