Lane Lockdown

Objective

• -Press build-up play
• -Block passing lanes
• -Force long clearances

Setup

1. 1Divide a 40 x 20 yard pitch into three lanes with cones.
2. 2Split players into a build-up team and a pressing team.
3. 3Use bibs to identify the pressers.
4. 4Start the ball with the build-up team near one end.

How to play

1. 1The build-up team tries to play through the lanes and reach the far end.
2. 2The pressing team shifts together to block the middle lane and squeeze the space.
3. 3When the trigger comes, the nearest player closes the ball and the others lock the next pass.
4. 4If the press wins it, they score in a target gate or mini goal.
5. 5Restart from the back and swap roles often.

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

• -Chasing the ball into one lane
• -Leaving gaps between players
• -Pressing without blocking the pass