Pressure 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 32 x 22 yards area.
2. 2Position a recovering defender behind each working player, starting two yards back.
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 defender is released the moment the ball leaves the server's foot.
5. 5The working player scores by completing the action before pressure arrives; the defender scores by blocking it.

Progressions

• +Defender starts level rather than behind
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Defender presses at jogging pace only
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two defenders alternate so pressure is constant
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Runs made too early
• -Passing into the zone with nobody there
• -Facing your own goal and getting trapped by the press