Tempo 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 32 x 26 yards area.
2. 2Set a visible timer or have an assistant count aloud from the side of the area.
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 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.

Common mistakes

• -Standing and complaining after losing the ball
• -Everybody pressing the same player
• -Slow, sideways passing that burns the clock