Cone End Battle

Objective

• -Protect a target area
• -Tackle cleanly under pressure
• -Attack quickly after winning the ball

Setup

1. 1Mark a small square with a target cone gate at each end line.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Each team defends one end gate and attacks the other.
4. 4Have a few balls ready for fast restarts.

How to play

1. 1Teams score by dribbling or passing the ball through the opponents' end gate.
2. 2Defenders try to win the ball and immediately play towards the opposite gate.
3. 3If the ball goes out, restart from the coach to the team that did not touch it last.
4. 4Keep the pitch tight so players are forced to compete for every ball.
5. 5Swap ends after a few minutes to keep the challenge fair.

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

• -Diving in too early
• -Switching off after a tackle
• -Standing off too far