Rest Defence Organisation

Objectives

• -Organise behind the ball while attacking
• -Stop the counter before it starts
• -Balance risk and security

How to set it up

1. 1Mark out the working area at Two thirds of a pitch. Put a cone on each corner so the boundary is obvious to the players.
2. 2Attacking team of eight against a defending six plus keeper.
3. 3Two counter target goals at halfway.
4. 4Cones marking the rest defence zone.
5. 5Place the goals before you start and check the run-off behind them is clear and safe.
6. 6Kit for this practice: Balls, Cones, Bibs, Full Goals. Keep a supply of spare balls beside the coach so a lost ball never stops the practice.
7. 7Split 10-20 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.
8. 8Set 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. 2While attacking, two defenders and a midfielder must remain in the rest defence zone.
3. 3If the defending team counters they score in the halfway goals.
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. 5Every repetition finishes with a strike at goal. As soon as the ball leaves the striker's foot the next player starts, so the practice keeps flowing.
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 transition 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.

Defender

Starts passive and builds to full pressure, staying side on and forcing the working player into their weaker side.

Goalkeeper

Sets before every strike, works the save, then distributes to restart the next attack rather than kicking the ball away.

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: Twelve attacks then swap.
• -Run 5 rounds of roughly 4 minutes inside the 20 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

• -Everyone joining the attack
• -Rest defenders too deep to press
• -No cover on the far side
• -Standing still and watching instead of moving into the next position