Fast Lane Break

Objective

• -Break forward through open space quickly
• -Carry the ball with purpose after regain
• -End the move with a shot

Setup

1. 1Mark a long narrow pitch about 30 x 16 yards.
2. 2Place a mini goal at each end and two cone lanes through the middle.
3. 3Split players into two teams starting behind opposite end lines.
4. 4Put spare balls with the coach in the centre.

How to play

1. 1The coach rolls a ball into the middle and one player from each side competes for it.
2. 2The winner dribbles through one of the lanes and attacks the far goal.
3. 3If the ball is tackled, the new winner attacks immediately the other way.
4. 4After each attempt, the coach feeds the next ball quickly.
5. 5Encourage direct play and brave running.

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

• -Dribbling into traffic
• -Over-touching at speed
• -Delaying the shot