Continuous Side-On Duel

Objective

• -Win the ball while running alongside an attacker
• -Use the body legally to gain the inside line
• -Choose the moment to commit

Setup

1. 1A narrow channel with a mini goal at the far end in a 22 x 12 yards area.
2. 2Load a ball at each starting station so the next rep can begin immediately.
3. 3Balls at the start line, bibs for defenders.

How to play

1. 1Attacker and defender start side by side and race for a served ball.
2. 2The defender must get a shoulder in front and win possession legally.
3. 3Roles swap on every rep.
4. 4As soon as one sequence ends, the next server plays in without waiting.
5. 5Run 4-minute blocks and count total completed sequences as a squad score.

Progressions

• +Add a second ball into the rotation
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Pause 15 seconds between reps to reset positions
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Split into two competing halves and compare block totals
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Pulling or holding the attacker
• -Diving in from behind
• -Long queues while balls are collected