Two Goal Shape

Objective

• -Make players use width and depth to attack
• -Encourage balanced team shape in open play
• -Reward teams for switching the point of attack

Setup

1. 1Set up a 35 x 28 yard pitch with two mini goals at each end.
2. 2Split players into two teams in bibs.
3. 3Place a cone halfway along each touchline as a wide marker.

How to play

1. 1Play a normal game, but a goal only counts if the attacking team has used both a wide marker and a central pass in the move.
2. 2Players must stay spread enough to use the whole pitch.
3. 3The coach can freeze play to show good and bad shape.
4. 4Restart quickly after goals or the ball going out.
5. 5Keep the game flowing and let shape emerge through play.

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

• -Everything going through the middle
• -Players clustering around the ball
• -Forcing direct play every time