Underload Delay and Show

Objective

• -Coach the approach and set position of the defender
• -Show the attacker into the least dangerous area
• -Win the ball at the right moment

Setup

1. 1A defending channel with two mini goals to protect in a 22 x 14 yards area.
2. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
3. 3Balls with the attackers, bibs for defenders.

How to play

1. 1Attacker drives at the defender who must delay and show one way.
2. 2The defender wins a point for forcing the attacker wide or winning the ball.
3. 3Swap roles after each duel.
4. 4The attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Progressions

• +Add a second extra defender
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Even the numbers up again
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Attackers get one 'free pass' per round they can call
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Sprinting straight through the attacker
• -Standing square and getting spun
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early