Ball Win Relay

Objective

• -Repeat tackling actions
• -Link winning with passing
• -Encourage teamwork in defence

Setup

1. 1Set up four stations in a 25 x 15 yard area.
2. 2Split players into four lines with bibs for two teams.
3. 3Each station has one ball and two small cones as a target.
4. 4Teams start at opposite ends of the area.

How to play

1. 1At each station, one player dribbles and one defends.
2. 2The defender tries to win the ball and then pass it to the next player in the relay line.
3. 3Once the pass is made, the pair move to the back of their line.
4. 4The next pair starts straight away so the relay keeps flowing.
5. 5Score one point for every clean tackle and pass.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Rushing into contact
• -Poor passing after the win
• -Standing still after the action