Middle Lock

Objective

• -Help players protect central space
• -Train the team to force play wide
• -Improve shape when the opposition has the ball

Setup

1. 1Mark a 24 x 18 yard rectangle with cones.
2. 2Create a narrow middle zone with cones or markers.
3. 3Split players into two teams in bibs.

How to play

1. 1The attacking team tries to pass through the middle zone and keep the ball.
2. 2The defending team must screen the middle and force play outside.
3. 3When the ball goes wide, defenders shift across together.
4. 4If defenders win it, they pass to a cone target or keep possession.
5. 5Rotate the roles often.

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

• -Leaving the middle open
• -One player pressing without cover
• -Defenders splitting too wide