Underload Numbers Up Shape Game

Objective

• -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 40 x 30 yards area.
2. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
3. 3Balls with the attacking team, two sets of bibs.

How to play

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 attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Progressions

• +Add a second extra defender
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Even the numbers up again
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Attackers get one 'free pass' per round they can call
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Chasing the ball out of shape
• -No outlet after winning the ball
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early