Number Rush

Objective

• -Create fast responses to a coach call
• -Improve transition speed in a game
• -Reward quick movement and support

Setup

1. 1Mark a 35 x 25 yard pitch with two mini goals each end.
2. 2Split players into two even teams in bibs.
3. 3Give each player a number from 1 upwards.
4. 4Start with a ball at the coach's feet on the side line.

How to play

1. 1Play a normal small-sided game to the mini goals.
2. 2At any moment the coach calls two numbers.
3. 3Only those players can go into a live 1v1 or 2v2 to win the next ball.
4. 4Once the duel is over, everyone else resets into the game quickly.
5. 5Repeat with different numbers and keep the pace high.

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

• -Not listening to the number call
• -Slow recovery into shape
• -Standing and waiting for the next phase