Chase And Contain

Objective

• -Practise controlled pressing
• -Build timing for tackles
• -Improve recovery speed

Setup

1. 1Mark a 20 x 18 yard rectangle.
2. 2Work in pairs with one ball per pair.
3. 3One player starts with the ball near one end, the defender starts a few yards away.
4. 4Use cones to show a safe turning area at the far end.

How to play

1. 1The ball carrier dribbles toward the far end at a steady pace.
2. 2The defender chases, closes the gap and slows the attacker down.
3. 3Once the attacker is contained, the defender looks to tackle or force the ball out.
4. 4If the defender wins it, they dribble back to the start.
5. 5Swap roles after each run.

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

• -Running straight past the ball
• -Tackling without containing first
• -Turning off after a failed challenge