Box Block Out

Objective

• -Defend set pieces as a unit
• -Protect the goal area on deliveries
• -Clear first and second balls

Setup

1. 1Mark a penalty-box sized area or half-box area with cones.
2. 2Put defenders in bibs inside the box and attackers around the edge.
3. 3Place a server near the corner or free kick spot with spare balls.
4. 4Use one goal and a goalkeeper if available.

How to play

1. 1The coach serves a ball into the box from the side.
2. 2Defenders start compact, then track runners and attack the ball.
3. 3Attackers try to score from the delivery or the rebound.
4. 4If the ball is cleared, defenders step out together.
5. 5Repeat from both sides and change defender roles.

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

• -Ball-watching and losing runners
• -Backing off the delivery
• -Clearing straight back into danger