Keep Away With Neutrals

Objectives

• -Use the overload to keep the ball
• -Support the ball carrier fast
• -Recognise when to switch

How to set it up

1. 1Mark out the working area at 35 x 25 yards. Put a cone on each corner so the boundary is obvious to the players.
2. 2A 35 x 25 area with two neutral players.
3. 3Two teams in bibs, neutrals in a third colour.
4. 4Balls stored on both sides.
5. 5Kit for this practice: Balls, Cones, Bibs. Keep a supply of spare balls beside the coach so a lost ball never stops the practice.
6. 6Split 8-16 players into two or three even groups. Run two stations side by side if you have the space, so lines never grow beyond four players.
7. 7Set the area up before the players arrive, then walk them through the shape once at a jog before the first live repetition.

How to run it, step by step

1. 1Get the players into position and walk the first repetition through slowly so everybody knows where they start and where they go.
2. 2Neutrals always play with the team in possession.
3. 3Ten consecutive passes scores a point.
4. 4After their action each player follows their pass and joins the back of the next line, so everybody rotates through every position in the practice.
5. 5The repetition ends when the ball reaches the final target or leaves the area. The next player starts straight away.
6. 6Freeze the practice once or twice per round, make one coaching point to the whole group, then restart immediately.

What each player does

Working player

Takes the repetition: receives, executes the possession action and finishes the sequence at match pace.

Server

Delivers a consistent, firm ball on the coach's call, then collects a spare ball ready for the next repetition.

Waiting players

Stand behind the start cone with a ball ready, watch the repetition in front of them and step in the moment it finishes.

Coach

Stands where the whole picture is visible, serves or calls the start, and makes one clear point per freeze.

Timings and organisation

• -Volume for this practice: Rounds of three minutes.
• -Run 5 rounds of roughly 4 minutes inside the 18 minute slot.
• -Give 45-60 seconds of rest between rounds so the quality of the work stays high, and use that gap for your coaching point.
• -Rotate roles at the end of every round so each player works, serves and defends across the practice.
• -If the practice is too easy, move to a progression rather than adding more repetitions. If players are struggling, drop to a regression for one round and then build back up.

Common mistakes

• -Neutral standing still
• -Passing to feet with no angle
• -Trying to force forward every pass
• -Standing still and watching instead of moving into the next position