Combination Numbers Up Shape Game

Objectives

• -Hold shape while outnumbered
• -Coach compactness under sustained pressure
• -Reward organised defending with a counter chance

Setup

1. 1A pitch with a goal to defend and two counter goals on halfway in a 46 x 36 yards area.
2. 2Add a neutral bounce player on each side line inside a marked yard-wide channel.
3. 3Balls with the attacking team, two sets of bibs.

Coaching instructions

1. 1The attacking team has a two-player advantage.
2. 2The defending team stays compact and counters into the halfway goals.
3. 3Swap roles every five minutes.
4. 4The first pass must go into the bounce player before the practice opens up.
5. 5A sequence only scores when three different players have touched the ball.

Common mistakes

• -Chasing the ball out of shape
• -No outlet after winning the ball
• -Two players combining over and over while the third stands still