Defence To Attack Breakout

Objective

• -Break out of the defensive third at speed
• -Find the first forward pass
• -Support the breakout in numbers

Setup

1. 1Defending unit plus keeper in their own third.
2. 2Attacking unit pressing them, with a target goal at halfway.
3. 3Balls with the coach behind the goal.

How to play

1. 1Defending team wins the ball and breaks out to score in the halfway goal.
2. 2They must complete three passes before scoring.
3. 3Ten repetitions 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

• -Everyone dropping deep on the regain
• -Aimless clearance
• -Slow support runs