Channel Breakout

Objective

• -Play through tight spaces
• -Break pressure with quick combinations
• -Defend as a unit

Setup

1. 1Mark a pitch with two narrow central channels using cones.
2. 2Split into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Place one ball with the coach at the side to start.
4. 4Players begin in their normal positions across the pitch.

How to play

1. 1Play a normal game, but teams must have one player in each channel before they can score.
2. 2A goal only counts if the attack includes a pass through a central channel.
3. 3Defenders try to block the channels and win the ball high up the pitch.
4. 4If the ball goes out, restart quickly from the side with the coach.
5. 5Encourage frequent movement into and out of the channels.

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

• -Ignoring the central spaces
• -Standing in the same lane too long
• -Defending too deep and passive