Lane Hunter

Objective

• -Improve pressing decisions
• -Link tackling with team shape
• -Win the ball in lanes

Setup

1. 1Make three long lanes using cones in a 30 x 15 yard area.
2. 2Split players into two teams of four to eight.
3. 3One team starts with balls in one end lane, the other defends.
4. 4Use bibs so the pressing team is clear.

How to play

1. 1The attacking team tries to dribble or pass across to the far end.
2. 2Defenders press as soon as the ball enters their lane.
3. 3A tackle or interception wins a point for the defenders.
4. 4If attackers cross the end line under control, they score.
5. 5Restart from the coach each time the ball goes out.

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

• -Pressing in a straight line
• -Getting split by a simple pass
• -Overcommitting and missing the ball