Three Zone Hunt

Objective

• -Press in different thirds
• -Link the front and middle units
• -Win the ball high up the pitch

Setup

1. 1Split the pitch into three horizontal zones with cones.
2. 2Place a mini goal at each end.
3. 3Create two teams of equal numbers, with bibs for one team.
4. 4Start each team with players in all three zones.

How to play

1. 1The team in possession tries to move the ball from one end to the other and score.
2. 2The defending team must press high in the top zone and stay compact in the middle zone.
3. 3If the ball is won, play goes the other way immediately.
4. 4Only allow one or two touches in the middle zone if you want more intensity.
5. 5Keep score over short games and switch teams between rounds.

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

• -Stretching too far between lines
• -Ball-watching and losing runners
• -Pressing without cover behind