Halfway Lock

Objective

• -Hold a mid-block press
• -Stay compact in central areas
• -Spring forward at the right time

Setup

1. 1Split the pitch in half with cones across the middle.
2. 2Place mini goals on both ends.
3. 3Create two even teams with bibs and one ball to start.
4. 4Ask teams to defend the space in front of their own half.

How to play

1. 1Play a normal game but the defending team starts each phase in a compact shape just inside their half.
2. 2They wait for a loose touch, slow pass or player facing backwards before stepping up.
3. 3The nearest player presses, the next player covers the central pass.
4. 4If the ball is won, the team attacks quickly towards goal.
5. 5Restart from the coach after every score or out of play.

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

• -Pressing with the back line too high or too deep
• -Leaving gaps between units
• -Going alone without support