End Line Takeaway

Objective

• -Improve wide defending
• -Create tackle moments near pressure
• -Link defending with support play

Setup

1. 1Mark a 24 x 16 yard area with two end lines and two side lines.
2. 2Play 3v3, 4v4 or 5v5 with bibs.
3. 3Each team has two target players standing on the end line as outlets.
4. 4The coach keeps spare balls nearby for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1Teams score by passing to a teammate standing on the end line.
2. 2Defenders try to stop the pass by pressing and tackling the ball carrier.
3. 3If the ball is won, the new team attacks straight away.
4. 4Rotate the end-line players every few minutes so everyone takes a turn.
5. 5Play lots of short games to keep energy high.

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

• -Allowing easy turns inside
• -Over-committing and getting beaten
• -Not using the touchline as help