Transition Four Zone Keep Ball

Objective

• -Keep possession while moving the ball between zones
• -Create numerical advantages in each zone
• -Coach when to keep and when to progress

Setup

1. 1A square split into four equal zones in a 38 x 34 yards area.
2. 2Mark a second target area at the opposite end so the practice can flip direction instantly.
3. 3Balls with the coach, two sets of bibs.

How to play

1. 1The team in possession must complete three passes before changing zone.
2. 2A zone change scores one point.
3. 3Defenders press with limited numbers per zone.
4. 4Coach serves a loose ball into the middle and both teams react to win it.
5. 5On every turnover the winning team has six seconds to attack the opposite target.

Progressions

• +Cut the counter window to four seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Freeze the play for two seconds after each turnover to reset shape
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Coach can serve a second ball to force an instant re-transition
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Everybody in the ball zone
• -Forcing the zone change too early
• -Stopping to appeal instead of reacting to the turnover