Underload 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 20 x 8 yards area.
2. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat 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 attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Progressions

• +Add a second extra defender
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Even the numbers up again
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Attackers get one 'free pass' per round they can call
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Standing tall on the first step
• -Too many reps without rest
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early