Split Screen

Objective

• -Use width on both sides of the pitch
• -Move quickly from defence to attack
• -Keep balance when the ball changes hands

Setup

1. 1Mark a 36 x 24 yard pitch with a centre channel and two side channels.
2. 2Place a mini goal at each end.
3. 3Split players into two teams with bibs for one side.
4. 4Give two players from each team permission to stay wide at all times.

How to play

1. 1Play a normal game, but the ball must enter a side channel before a goal counts.
2. 2When possession changes, the nearest players press while the rest recover into shape.
3. 3The coach can feed a spare ball into play if the game slows down.
4. 4Switch the wide players every few minutes so everyone has a turn.
5. 5Reward quick use of the side channels.

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

• -All players chasing the ball
• -Ignoring the side channels
• -Slow recovery after attack