Defending Recovery Runs

Objective

• -Recover goal-side quickly when the team is exposed
• -Delay the attack until support arrives
• -Defend an overload without panicking

Setup

1. 1Half pitch, full goal and keeper.
2. 2Attackers start on the halfway line, defenders start five yards behind them.
3. 3Balls with the coach beside the halfway line.

How to play

1. 1Coach releases the ball to a 3v2 attack; defenders recover from behind.
2. 2Defenders delay and force play wide until the third defender arrives.
3. 3Six reps then swap the groups over.

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

• -Jogging the recovery run
• -Both defenders attacking the ball
• -Diving in and giving up the shot