Diamond Drift

Objective

• -Help players recognise diamond shape in possession
• -Improve first touch into space
• -Create clear support angles around the ball

Setup

1. 1Mark a 26 x 26 yard square with cones.
2. 2Place four cone stations in a diamond shape inside the area.
3. 3Players work in groups of four or five, with one ball each group.

How to play

1. 1Players keep the ball moving around the diamond stations.
2. 2The first touch should take the ball towards the next passing option.
3. 3After each pass, the next player adjusts to keep the diamond shape.
4. 4Add a defender later if the group is ready for more pressure.
5. 5Swap the top and side roles regularly.

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

• -Flat shape with no angles
• -Heavy first touch
• -Players standing and admiring the pass