Hold Then Break

Objective

• -Keep the ball under pressure before breaking out
• -Spot the moment to switch tempo
• -Support the player on the ball

Setup

1. 1Mark out a 35 x 25 yard pitch with a central zone and two end zones.
2. 2Place one mini goal in each end zone.
3. 3Split into two teams of equal size and give bibs to one team.
4. 4Start all players in the central zone with one ball ready to play.

How to play

1. 1Teams keep possession in the middle until the coach calls 'break'.
2. 2On the call, the team in possession can attack either end zone goal immediately.
3. 3The team without the ball must recover and stop the break as quickly as possible.
4. 4After a goal or turnover, restart with a new ball in the middle.
5. 5Rotate the team that starts in possession every 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

• -Forcing the break too early
• -Standing flat in possession
• -Slow reaction when the call comes