Corner Dash

Objective

• -Reward quick wide attacks
• -Improve sprinting into space
• -Create fast decisions near goal

Setup

1. 1Mark a 32 x 24 yard pitch with four corner zones.
2. 2Put a mini goal in the middle of each end line or use target corners.
3. 3Split players into two teams with bibs.
4. 4Place spare balls with the coach on the side line.

How to play

1. 1Teams score by dribbling or passing into a corner zone before finishing.
2. 2When the ball goes to a corner, players must sprint to support quickly.
3. 3Allow immediate counter attacks when the ball is won back.
4. 4The coach restarts fast if the ball goes out.
5. 5Use short games with lots of restarts.

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

• -Ball watching in the middle
• -Too many players crowding one corner
• -No quick support after a switch