Tempo Build-Up Shape

Objective

• -Build from the keeper through the thirds
• -Create angles that beat the first line of press
• -Recognise when to go long instead

Setup

1. 1A defensive third with a goal, a back line and midfield support in a 46 x 38 yards area.
2. 2Set a visible timer or have an assistant count aloud from the side of the area.
3. 3Balls in the goal, two sets of bibs, target gates on halfway.

How to play

1. 1The keeper starts every rep and the back line splits wide.
2. 2The team plays through the press and dribbles through a halfway gate to score.
3. 3If the press wins it, they attack the goal immediately.
4. 4The clock starts the moment the first pass is played in.
5. 5The sequence must reach the end action inside eight seconds or the rep is void.

Progressions

• +Cut the clock to six seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Stretch the clock to twelve seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Reps finished inside five seconds score double
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Playing out for the sake of it
• -Full backs too narrow and deep
• -Slow, sideways passing that burns the clock