Second Ball Hunt

Objective

• -React fast to loose set-piece balls
• -Win the second ball after a delivery
• -Turn defence into attack quickly

Setup

1. 1Mark a central playing area with two mini goals at each end.
2. 2Place one service zone at the side for corners or free kicks.
3. 3Split players into two teams with bibs and keep spare balls with the coach.
4. 4Start each round with a dead-ball delivery into the middle.

How to play

1. 1The coach serves a dead ball into the area.
2. 2Both teams compete for the first and second ball.
3. 3Once a team wins possession, they attack the mini goals.
4. 4If the ball leaves play, the coach restarts with a new delivery.
5. 5Play short rounds and keep the tempo high.

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 after the first contact
• -Standing still after a clearance
• -Chasing the same ball in a crowd