Mini Zone Rattle

Objective

• -Win the ball in small spaces
• -Create fast pressing habits
• -Reward immediate reactions

Setup

1. 1Make two small pitches side by side or one area split into two end games.
2. 2Place a mini goal at each end of each pitch.
3. 3Use bibs to make two balanced teams.
4. 4Keep a good supply of balls ready to restart quickly.

How to play

1. 1Play small-sided games with a big emphasis on winning the ball back within a few seconds.
2. 2If a team loses possession, they must press immediately to regain it.
3. 3A turnover can lead straight into a quick attack on goal.
4. 4The coach restarts quickly after goals or balls out.
5. 5Swap teams or pitches to keep the intensity high.

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

• -Walking back after a turnover
• -Pressing without organisation
• -Allowing too much space between players