Front Foot Fight

Objective

• -Press high and win it early
• -Attack the space behind the press
• -Keep the game compact and intense

Setup

1. 1Mark a rectangle with a scoring line at each end.
2. 2Split into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Start players high up the pitch so the space is tight.
4. 4Keep spare balls with the coach for instant restarts.

How to play

1. 1The game starts with a pass from the coach into one team.
2. 2Teams are encouraged to press immediately when they lose the ball.
3. 3A goal counts as normal, but winning the ball in the opponent's half gives an extra point if the team scores within five seconds.
4. 4If the ball goes out, restart from the coach straight away.
5. 5Keep the game short and energetic with lots of quick transitions.

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

• -Pressing too late
• -Leaving huge gaps between players
• -Not reacting after a turnover