Wave Shift

Objective

• -Train team shape in quick change moments
• -Help players recover into shape after losing the ball
• -Encourage collective movement up and down the pitch

Setup

1. 1Set up a 45 x 30 yard pitch with mini goals at both ends.
2. 2Split into two teams in bibs.
3. 3Keep spare balls with the coach to restart quickly.

How to play

1. 1Play a small-sided game with quick restarts from the coach if the ball goes out.
2. 2When possession changes, the whole team must recover into shape straight away.
3. 3The coach can call 'wave' to freeze the game and show where players should be.
4. 4Play on again and let players react without too much coaching.
5. 5Reward teams that stay organised in both attack and defence.

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

• -Walking back after losing the ball
• -Leaving the middle open
• -Everyone chasing the ball forward