Barrier Break

Objective

• -Practise set pieces against a defensive barrier
• -Find the pass or shot around the block
• -Keep technique simple under pressure

Setup

1. 1Set a free kick spot and a barrier line with cones or players.
2. 2Place a target gate, mini goal or full-size goal beyond the barrier.
3. 3Start one taker, one decoy runner and one receiver if needed.
4. 4Keep the coach with spare balls behind the start point.

How to play

1. 1The taker decides whether to shoot or slip a pass.
2. 2The decoy makes a run to move the barrier or defenders.
3. 3The receiver attacks the space if the ball is played through.
4. 4If the shot is blocked, play continues for the rebound.
5. 5Change the pattern after each attempt.

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

• -Telegraphing the plan
• -Poor timing from the runner
• -Stopping when the wall blocks the shot