Finishing Halfway Line Game

Objective

• -Coach the whole team moving up and down together
• -Keep the shape compact between the lines
• -Reward organised, connected play

Setup

1. 1A pitch with a clearly marked halfway line in a 40 x 30 yards area.
2. 2Set a goal at the end of the area with a keeper or a target zone if no keeper is available.
3. 3Balls with the coach, two sets of bibs.

How to play

1. 1Goals only count when every attacking player has crossed halfway.
2. 2Defending teams must have everyone behind the ball to earn a clean-sheet point.
3. 3Play four-minute games with short breaks.
4. 4Every sequence starts with a pass out and ends with a strike on goal.
5. 5Goals score one, first-time finishes score two, and rebounds must be followed in.

Progressions

• +Cap the sequence at one touch before the strike
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Remove the keeper and finish into a wide target goal
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Coach can throw in a second ball for an instant rebound finish
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Strikers not tracking back
• -Defenders staying deep when the team attacks
• -Rushing the shot and leaning back over the ball