Boxed Outs

Objective

• -Improve closing down speed
• -Develop fast recovery movement
• -Teach simple defensive footwork

Setup

1. 1Mark an 18 x 18 yard box.
2. 2Split players into attackers and defenders with bibs.
3. 3Give one ball to the attackers to start.
4. 4The defenders begin on the outside edge of the box.

How to play

1. 1On the coach's signal, attackers try to keep the ball for a short spell.
2. 2Defenders sprint in to press when the ball is loose or played badly.
3. 3If a defender wins it, they must quickly carry it to a cone on the edge.
4. 4Rotate roles often so all players work both sides.
5. 5Keep the rounds brief and energetic.

Progressions

• +Progressive Tempo: add a fourth maximal round
• +Ball For Every Player: shrink the working area
• +Reaction Start: two cues, one a decoy
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Progressive Tempo: stay at the first two tempos only
• -Ball For Every Player: bigger area, share a ball between two
• -Reaction Start: coach counts players in
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Progressive Tempo — Three rounds: 60% pace, 80% pace, then match pace with full recovery between.
• -Ball For Every Player — Every player works with their own ball so no one waits in a queue.
• -Reaction Start — Every repetition begins from a visual or audio cue rather than a set count.
• -Partner Race — Players work in matched pairs and race each repetition, best of five.
• -Mobility Focus — Each round finishes with a controlled mobility hold for the hips, groin and ankles.
• -Change Of Direction — Add a 90 or 180 degree turn into every repetition before the finish.
• -Team Target — The whole group works to a shared score target and repeats the round if they miss it.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Charging in too early
• -Standing off and watching
• -Turning flat-footed after the press