Underload 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. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
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 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

• -Runs made too early
• -Passing into the zone with nobody there
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early