Safe Side Game

Objective

• -Build from deep with control
• -Press the first pass
• -Make good decisions under pressure

Setup

1. 1Mark a rectangle with a mini goal at each end and a small build-up zone in front of each goal.
2. 2Split into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Each team starts with one player in the build-up zone when their side has the ball.
4. 4Keep spare balls ready for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1A team must start play in its build-up zone before it can attack the opposite goal.
2. 2Defenders try to press the first pass and stop the build-up early.
3. 3If the attacking team plays out of the zone successfully, they can attack freely.
4. 4Restart quickly from the coach after goals and balls out.
5. 5Rotate the build-up player often so everyone experiences the role.

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

• -Forcing play long immediately
• -Build-up player hiding behind defenders
• -Pressing without angle or cover