Overload Counter Press Box

Objectives

• -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 34 x 28 yards area.
2. 2Split the group so the attacking side always has one spare player, and park the spare bibs on the halfway cone.
3. 3Balls with the coach, two sets of bibs.

Coaching instructions

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. 4The spare player joins whichever side has the ball, so the attack always works with a plus-one.
5. 5A goal or completed end action counts double if the spare player touched the ball in the build-up.

Common mistakes

• -Standing and complaining after losing the ball
• -Everybody pressing the same player
• -Spare player standing still instead of offering an angle