Turnover Tunnel

Objective

• -React to ball wins in tight spaces
• -Dribble out of pressure quickly
• -Defend and recover in a small area

Setup

1. 1Build three narrow cone lanes inside an 18 x 14 yard area.
2. 2Give each player a ball except two defenders in bibs.
3. 3Players start spread across the lanes.
4. 4Keep the space tight to force quick changes of possession.

How to play

1. 1Players dribble through the lanes and try to keep control.
2. 2The defenders try to win a ball and carry it to the far end of a lane.
3. 3When a defender wins it, they become attackers and the player who lost it becomes a defender.
4. 4The coach stops the round briefly every two minutes to reset.
5. 5Keep the game lively and simple.

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

• -Heavy touches in traffic
• -Standing still after a turnover
• -Committing fouls in tight space