Rebound Gate

Objective

• -Turn set-piece rebounds into attacks
• -React quickly to saves and blocks
• -Finish from broken play

Setup

1. 1Set a small game area with two mini goals at each end.
2. 2Place one dead-ball zone on each side line.
3. 3Split players into two teams with bibs and keep spare balls with the coach.
4. 4Start each attack with a corner, free kick or throw-in.

How to play

1. 1The coach restarts with a dead ball into the pitch.
2. 2Teams compete for the ball and the first rebound.
3. 3If a shot is saved or blocked, the nearest team attacks the next phase.
4. 4Goals count after the first set-piece delivery and the rebound phase.
5. 5Restart often to keep the game flowing.

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

• -Switching off after a save
• -Lunging at every loose ball
• -Not supporting the first shooter