Line Break Rally

Objective

• -Break a defensive line quickly after regaining possession
• -Find forward passes under pressure
• -Move into support immediately

Setup

1. 1Mark a 34 x 22 yard pitch with two cone lines across the middle.
2. 2Place a mini goal at each end.
3. 3Split the group into two teams with bibs for one side.
4. 4Start play just inside one half with a ball at the coach's feet.

How to play

1. 1Teams play to score but must break one cone line with a pass before they can shoot.
2. 2When the ball is won, the new team should look forward straight away.
3. 3If the defending team wins it, they can counter in the opposite direction.
4. 4The coach restarts quickly after any stoppage.
5. 5Move players into different roles after a few rounds.

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

• -Slowing the attack down
• -Hiding behind defenders
• -Forcing passes through packed areas