Near-Post Race

Objective

• -Attack near-post space quickly
• -Time movement with the delivery
• -Finish from close range

Setup

1. 1Mark a corner and a near-post lane with cones.
2. 2Set two mini goals or a small scoring area in front of goal.
3. 3Place servers by the corner flag and attackers on the edge of the box.
4. 4Keep defenders inside the box to challenge the runs.

How to play

1. 1The server sends a corner into the near-post lane.
2. 2One attacker breaks to the front and one supports behind.
3. 3Defenders try to intercept or clear the ball.
4. 4If the ball reaches the scoring zone, attackers finish first time.
5. 5Rotate runs so every player attacks the near post.

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

• -Starting runs too early
• -Arriving flat-footed
• -Trying to take too many touches