Double Gate Tackle

Objective

• -Improve central defending
• -Practise pair tackling
• -Turn defence into attack

Setup

1. 1Set up two narrow gates in the middle of a 22 x 18 yard area.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Each team has two players acting as central defenders to start.
4. 4The coach keeps the balls at the side for restarts.

How to play

1. 1The attacking team dribbles or passes through either gate to score.
2. 2Defenders work together to stop the progress and win the ball.
3. 3A clean tackle gives the defenders a point if they dribble through the opposite gate.
4. 4After a score, the coach restarts from the middle.
5. 5Rotate players often so everyone defends and attacks.

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

• -Getting split by one pass
• -Going in alone
• -Forgetting to support after the tackle