Counter End Zone Game

Objective

• -Reward forward passing and running with the ball
• -Create a game that works without goals
• -Encourage runs beyond the defensive line

Setup

1. 1A pitch with a three-yard end zone at each end in a 40 x 30 yards area.
2. 2Place two mini goals on the halfway line for the counter-attacking side to aim at.
3. 3Balls with the coach, two sets of bibs.

How to play

1. 1Teams score by controlling the ball inside the opposition end zone.
2. 2The ball must be passed into the zone, not dribbled in.
3. 3Restart immediately from the conceding team.
4. 4The team in possession starts each rep in their own half and must build forwards.
5. 5Turnovers earn a direct counter at the mini goals worth two points.

Progressions

• +Counter must be finished inside five seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Award the counter goal for simply carrying over halfway
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Swap the counter goals for a dribble-through gate
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Runs made too early
• -Passing into the zone with nobody there
• -Dribbling into traffic when the counter is on