Defending A Low Block

Objective

• -Stay compact in and around the box
• -Protect the central areas
• -Clear and step out together

Setup

1. 1Defensive unit of six in front of a full goal with keeper.
2. 2Attacking unit of seven around the edge of the final third.
3. 3Cones marking the compact block zone.

How to play

1. 1Attackers try to break the block, defenders hold shape and clear.
2. 2On a clearance beyond the cones the defenders score a point.
3. 3Twelve attacks then swap.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Dropping too deep as a unit
• -Individuals jumping out of the block
• -Slow reactions to the second ball