Recover to Score

Objective

• -Win the ball and shoot quickly
• -Turn defensive work into end product
• -Create urgency after regain

Setup

1. 1Mark a 28 x 22 yard pitch with one mini goal at each end.
2. 2Split into two equal teams with bibs for one side.
3. 3Place each team behind their own end line to start.
4. 4Keep a stack of balls near the coach at halfway.

How to play

1. 1The coach rolls a ball into play and both teams compete.
2. 2When a team wins the ball, they have one attack to try and score.
3. 3After the attack ends, the coach immediately restarts to the other team.
4. 4If a team does not shoot within the attack, the ball goes dead and switches over.
5. 5Keep the rounds moving with no long breaks.

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

• -Taking too long to shoot
• -Not supporting the ball carrier
• -Dropping off after a missed chance