Gate to Goal

Objective

• -Carry the ball forward after winning it
• -Make quick decisions in open space
• -Finish at speed after a turnover

Setup

1. 1Set up a 30 x 20 yard area with four cone gates in the middle and two mini goals at each end.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs for one side.
3. 3Each team starts behind their end line with a ball at the coach's feet.
4. 4Leave clear lanes between the gates and the goals.

How to play

1. 1The coach plays a ball into the middle and both teams compete to win it.
2. 2Once a team wins possession, they can dribble through any gate before attacking either mini goal.
3. 3A goal only counts if the attack starts within three seconds of the regain.
4. 4If the ball goes out, restart straight away with the coach.
5. 5After each round, change the starting team and the direction of attack.

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 pressure
• -Looking down all the time
• -Delaying the attack after regaining