Continuous Counter Press Box

Objective

• -Win the ball back within seconds of losing it
• -Coach the reaction of the closest players
• -Prevent the opposition's first forward pass

Setup

1. 1A compact box with mini goals at each end in a 32 x 26 yards area.
2. 2Load a ball at each starting station so the next rep can begin immediately.
3. 3Balls with the coach, two sets of bibs.

How to play

1. 1Normal small-sided rules with a six-second counter-press window.
2. 2Winning the ball back inside six seconds scores a point.
3. 3If the window passes, the team must drop into shape.
4. 4As soon as one sequence ends, the next server plays in without waiting.
5. 5Run 4-minute blocks and count total completed sequences as a squad score.

Progressions

• +Add a second ball into the rotation
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Pause 15 seconds between reps to reset positions
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Split into two competing halves and compare block totals
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Standing and complaining after losing the ball
• -Everybody pressing the same player
• -Long queues while balls are collected