Rotation 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 40 x 28 yards area.
2. 2Number every station so players know exactly where they travel to next.
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. 4Play starts at station one and the ball works round the numbers in order.
5. 5Every player must complete each role once before the round is scored.

Progressions

• +Reverse the rotation direction on the coach's call
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Hold roles for a full round before rotating
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Rotate only the two hardest roles to give them extra reps
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Tackling from behind
• -Running alongside instead of ahead
• -Staying in a favourite role and avoiding the harder one