Narrow Nest

Objective

• -Press in a tight pitch
• -Keep distances short
• -Reward team pressure

Setup

1. 1Set up a very narrow pitch with mini goals at each end.
2. 2Split into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Start one ball with the coach or from a kick-in.
4. 4Keep the area compact so pressure arrives quickly.

How to play

1. 1Play a short-sided game in a tight area.
2. 2Because the pitch is narrow, the team without the ball must get close and work together quickly.
3. 3If they win it, they can score immediately in either mini goal.
4. 4After a goal or out of play, restart fast from the coach.
5. 5Change teams or add conditions only if the game becomes too easy.

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

• -Allowing the game to stretch
• -Pressing in isolation
• -Standing off the ball carrier