Keepers In The Corners

Objective

• -Create angles to pass out of pressure
• -Switch the point of attack quickly
• -Win the ball back fast after loss

Setup

1. 1Mark a rectangle with cones and place a mini goal in each corner.
2. 2Split players into two even teams with bibs.
3. 3Each team starts with a line of balls by their coach or a feeder at the side.
4. 4Players begin spread across the pitch, ready to attack any of the four goals.

How to play

1. 1Play a normal small-sided game, but a goal only counts if the ball is scored into either of the two corner goals nearest the attacking team.
2. 2After a goal, the coach restarts immediately with a new ball from the side.
3. 3If the ball goes out, roll or pass a new ball in quickly so play keeps moving.
4. 4Encourage players to change direction and attack the free corner goal.
5. 5Rotate players every few minutes so everyone plays in different areas.

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

• -Crowding the ball
• -Forcing dribbles into traffic
• -Standing still after passing