Shadow Goals Game

Objective

• -Create scoring chances without full goals
• -Make good final decisions
• -Keep possession under pressure

Setup

1. 1Mark a rectangle with two cone gates on each end line.
2. 2Split into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Start players in normal positions across the pitch.
4. 4The coach stands at the side with spare balls for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1Teams score by dribbling or passing through either of the cone gates at the end they are attacking.
2. 2If a team scores, the same team keeps possession and attacks the other end straight away.
3. 3When the ball goes out, restart quickly from the side with a new ball.
4. 4Encourage players to look for the best gate rather than forcing play.
5. 5Rotate roles so players attack both ends.

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

• -Charging at the wrong gate
• -Looking only at the ball
• -Poor timing of runs beyond the ball