Box Balance

Objective

• -Teach players how to protect the middle
• -Keep a balanced shape when defending
• -Show when to shift across and when to hold

Setup

1. 1Mark a square 24 x 24 yards with cones.
2. 2Split players into two teams of four or six, each in bibs.
3. 3Place a small scoring zone at each side of the square.

How to play

1. 1One team starts as defenders in the box and the other keeps the ball.
2. 2The attacking team scores by dribbling or passing into a side scoring zone.
3. 3Defenders stay balanced, shift together and protect the middle.
4. 4If defenders win the ball, they keep it and try to play into a zone themselves.
5. 5Swap roles every few minutes so everyone works both sides of the game.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Chasing the ball too far
• -Leaving big gaps through the middle
• -One defender stepping out alone