Set Play Relay

Objective

• -Warm up with set-piece movements
• -Link sprint, turn and support actions
• -Get players thinking about restart roles

Setup

1. 1Build three cone stations across a small area.
2. 2At each station place a simple set-piece task and one ball.
3. 3Split players into small groups with bibs where needed.
4. 4Keep the movement short, sharp and safe.

How to play

1. 1Players complete a short sprint to the first cone.
2. 2They then perform a restart movement such as a run, set, turn or finish.
3. 3After the action, they move to the next station in relay order.
4. 4Each station should take only a few seconds before the next player goes.
5. 5Keep the groups moving and swap tasks often.

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

• -Big slow turns
• -Poor spacing between players
• -Treating the warm-up like a race only