Width Wedges

Objective

• -Help players understand width as part of team shape
• -Improve receiving in wide areas
• -Create clear support between wide and central players

Setup

1. 1Mark a 32 x 24 yard area with cones.
2. 2Put four corner markers and two wide wedge zones near the touchlines.
3. 3Split players into two teams in bibs.

How to play

1. 1Teams keep possession and aim to move the ball into a wide wedge zone before playing back inside.
2. 2The player in the wedge must receive on the outside and then pass infield.
3. 3The rest of the team must stay spread to give support and balance.
4. 4If the ball is lost, the other team starts again straight away.
5. 5Switch the sides after a few minutes.

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

• -Everyone following the ball wide
• -Wide player standing too close to the line
• -No central support for the next pass