Wide Channel 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 36 x 30 yards area.
2. 2Mark five-yard channels down both touchlines with flat cones.
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 practice is started by a pass into one of the wide channels.
5. 5End actions only count when the ball has travelled through a wide channel first.

Common mistakes

• -Standing and complaining after losing the ball
• -Everybody pressing the same player
• -Everything funnelling into a crowded middle