Mini Box Battle

Objective

• -Create chances in tight spaces
• -Finish quickly after winning the ball
• -Make fast decisions near goal

Setup

1. 1Set up two small boxes side by side, each with a mini goal on the end line.
2. 2Split into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Each game box should have one ball at a time.
4. 4Start players in the centre of their box, ready to attack and defend.

How to play

1. 1Play 3v3 or 4v4 in each box, with one game in each area at the same time if numbers allow.
2. 2A goal counts only when the ball is scored into the mini goal from inside the box.
3. 3When a goal is scored, the coach gives a new ball straight away to the team that conceded.
4. 4If the ball goes out, restart from the nearest sideline with a quick pass in.
5. 5After a few minutes, swap teams between boxes if you are running two games.

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

• -Taking too many touches near goal
• -Hiding behind defenders
• -Slow reactions to loose balls