Line Link Game

Objective

• -Keep defensive and attacking lines connected
• -Show how to press as a team
• -Help players understand compactness and support

Setup

1. 1Set up a 40 x 30 yard pitch with mini goals at each end.
2. 2Split players into two teams in bibs.
3. 3Use cones to mark a middle line across the pitch.

How to play

1. 1Play a normal small-sided game with free scoring in the mini goals.
2. 2When out of possession, the nearest player presses and the others squeeze up behind.
3. 3The coach stops play briefly to show gaps between the lines and how to close them.
4. 4Restart quickly and let both teams try to stay connected.
5. 5Award bonus praise when a team wins the ball back together.

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

• -One player pressing alone
• -Big gaps between units
• -Standing flat and square