Finishing Recovery Run Defending

Objective

• -Recover goal-side at speed
• -Defend while running towards your own goal
• -Decide between tackling and shepherding

Setup

1. 1A long approach to goal with a defender start cone behind the attacker in a 44 x 32 yards area.
2. 2Set a goal at the end of the area with a keeper or a target zone if no keeper is available.
3. 3Balls with the attackers, keeper in goal.

How to play

1. 1Attacker starts five yards ahead and runs at goal.
2. 2Defender recovers, gets goal-side and forces the attacker wide.
3. 3The rep ends with a shot, a tackle or the ball out of play.
4. 4Every sequence starts with a pass out and ends with a strike on goal.
5. 5Goals score one, first-time finishes score two, and rebounds must be followed in.

Progressions

• +Cap the sequence at one touch before the strike
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Remove the keeper and finish into a wide target goal
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Coach can throw in a second ball for an instant rebound finish
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Tackling from behind
• -Running alongside instead of ahead
• -Rushing the shot and leaning back over the ball