Bibs And Borders

Objective

• -Improve touchline defending
• -Create repeated tackle opportunities
• -Reward clean ball-winning

Setup

1. 1Create a 26 x 18 yard pitch with cones and no goals.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Place two bonus zones along each long side of the pitch.
4. 4The coach stands at the side with spare balls.

How to play

1. 1Teams score a point by dribbling into a bonus zone under control.
2. 2Defenders try to press and tackle before the attacker gets there.
3. 3A clean tackle lets the defender's team start a new attack from the middle.
4. 4If the ball goes out, restart immediately from the coach.
5. 5Keep score and swap teams halfway through.

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

• -Overrunning the ball
• -Ignoring support behind you
• -Fouling in tight space