Transition Long Range Zone

Objective

• -Strike cleanly from outside the area
• -Judge when the long shot is on
• -Improve technique on the driven ball

Setup

1. 1A shooting zone marked 22-28 yards from goal in a 41 x 36 yards area.
2. 2Mark a second target area at the opposite end so the practice can flip direction instantly.
3. 3Plenty of balls at the edge of the zone, keeper in goal.

How to play

1. 1Player receives on the edge of the zone and takes one touch out of the feet.
2. 2The strike must be hit before leaving the zone.
3. 3Rebounds are live for a follow-up finish.
4. 4Coach serves a loose ball into the middle and both teams react to win it.
5. 5On every turnover the winning team has six seconds to attack the opposite target.

Progressions

• +Cut the counter window to four seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Freeze the play for two seconds after each turnover to reset shape
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Coach can serve a second ball to force an instant re-transition
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Shooting from impossible angles
• -Ball bouncing before the strike
• -Stopping to appeal instead of reacting to the turnover