Wing Pinch Game

Objective

• -Improve wide defending
• -Use pressing traps
• -Turn tackles into quick attacks

Setup

1. 1Set a 30 x 20 yard pitch with mini goals at each end.
2. 2Mark two narrow wing lanes about 4 yards wide.
3. 3Play 5v5 or 6v6 with bibs.
4. 4Place spare balls with the coach for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1Goals can only be scored after the ball has been in a wing lane.
2. 2Defenders should work to trap the attacker against the line and win it.
3. 3A tackle that wins possession allows an immediate shot at the mini goal.
4. 4If the ball goes out, restart from the coach.
5. 5Encourage teams to switch play to escape pressure or to press it.

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

• -Leaving the far side open
• -Tackling from too far away
• -Ignoring the nearest passing option