Tempo 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 44 x 34 yards area.
2. 2Set a visible timer or have an assistant count aloud from the side of the area.
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 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

• -Chasing the ball out of shape
• -No outlet after winning the ball
• -Slow, sideways passing that burns the clock