Quick Restart Run

Objective

• -Exploit quick restarts before the defence sets
• -Recognise space after a foul or throw
• -Turn a dead ball into an immediate chance

Setup

1. 1Mark a small pitch with two goals or mini goals.
2. 2Give one team bibs and place a ball with the coach near the side.
3. 3Set up several restart spots around the pitch with cones.
4. 4Keep the teams ready to restart without delay.

How to play

1. 1The coach stops play with a set-piece restart.
2. 2The team on the ball has a few seconds to restart quickly.
3. 3If they play fast enough, they attack a less organised defence.
4. 4If not, the coach resets and the other team gets shape.
5. 5Play many short rounds with different restart types.

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

• -Waiting for everyone to stand still
• -Poor first pass from the restart
• -Forgetting the off-ball runners