Cover And Balance Triangle

Objective

• -Understand first, second and third defender roles
• -Cover the space behind the presser
• -Balance the far side

Setup

1. 1Three defenders against three attackers in a 25 x 20 area.
2. 2Two target gates behind the defenders.
3. 3Balls at the attackers' start line.

How to play

1. 1Attackers try to dribble through either gate.
2. 2Defenders organise a pressing, covering and balancing triangle.
3. 3Ninety second rounds then rotate.

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

• -All three defenders flat
• -Nobody covering the space behind
• -Losing sight of the far attacker