Trap The Touch

Objective

• -Press on a bad touch
• -Improve starting position
• -Force play into poor areas

Setup

1. 1Mark out a 20 x 15 yard area with a central channel.
2. 2Work in groups of three or four, with one attacker and two defenders inside.
3. 3Place cones to make a small target zone at each end.
4. 4Keep several balls with the coach to restart quickly.

How to play

1. 1The attacker starts with the ball in the middle and tries to carry it to either end zone.
2. 2The defender begins a few yards away and waits for a heavy touch or a moment to press.
3. 3When the cue comes, the defender steps in quickly and tries to win the ball.
4. 4If the defender wins it, they keep possession for three passes or score in the end zone.
5. 5Swap roles after each round so everyone attacks and presses.

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 too early
• -Standing flat and easy to beat
• -Overcommitting and opening space