Diagonal Delivery

Objective

• -Deliver long diagonal set pieces with accuracy
• -Control the receiver's first touch
• -Create a chance from the switch

Setup

1. 1Mark a wide free kick or corner on one side of the pitch.
2. 2Place a receiver in a far-side channel with a mini goal or target gate.
3. 3Use cones to show the diagonal flight line and landing area.
4. 4Keep spare balls with the coach by the starting side.

How to play

1. 1The server hits a diagonal ball across the area.
2. 2The receiver moves to meet it and controls or finishes.
3. 3A second attacker supports for a lay-off or rebound.
4. 4A defender applies pressure after the first touch.
5. 5Rotate the server, receiver and defender regularly.

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

• -Over-hitting the ball
• -Static receiving
• -Watching the flight without moving early