Angle And Go

Objective

• -Practise curved pressing runs
• -Improve footwork before contact
• -Learn the right angle of approach

Setup

1. 1Make a square with one cone in each corner and one in the middle.
2. 2Put players in pairs, each pair with one ball.
3. 3Have pairs start on opposite corners.
4. 4Use bibs if you need to split into two groups.

How to play

1. 1One player dribbles towards the middle cone.
2. 2The partner runs without a ball, curving their run to close the space.
3. 3At the middle cone, the dribbler changes direction and the defender adjusts the angle.
4. 4After each run, swap roles and start from another corner.
5. 5Keep the pace lively and the touches tidy.

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

• -Running in a straight line
• -Getting too close too early
• -Losing balance on the turn