Overload Reaction Sprint Pairs

Objective

• -Sharpen reaction speed off a cue
• -Develop the first three steps
• -Add a football action after the sprint

Setup

1. 1Pairs facing each other over a start line with a target 15 yards away in a 26 x 14 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 on the target line.

How to play

1. 1Coach cue releases one player to sprint and the other to chase.
2. 2The winner takes a touch and finishes at the target.
3. 3Alternate who starts as the chaser.
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.

Progressions

• +Remove the overload for the last two rounds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Give the attack two spare players
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Rotate the spare player every 90 seconds
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Standing tall on the first step
• -Too many reps without rest
• -Spare player standing still instead of offering an angle