Tempo Halfway Line Game

Objectives

• -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 38 x 28 yards area.
2. 2Set a visible timer or have an assistant count aloud from the side of the area.
3. 3Balls with the coach, two sets of bibs.

Coaching instructions

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. 4The clock starts the moment the first pass is played in.
5. 5The sequence must reach the end action inside eight seconds or the rep is void.

Common mistakes

• -Strikers not tracking back
• -Defenders staying deep when the team attacks
• -Slow, sideways passing that burns the clock