Designing flexible practices - core idea

WHY USE IT

This is the ‘core practice’. Any time this practice is to be used for a specific topic, the core practice should be used first, before the changes are made to it. This is so the players become active immediately.

SET UP

Set up an area suitable for the number, age and ability of your players. Split players into two teams – within those teams, players work in pairs, lining up next to their goal, with one player on each side. One of the players has a ball.

HOW TO PLAY

One pair enters the area to attack their opponent’s goal. Once a player has tried a shot, that attack is over; there are no rebounds. If the defenders win the ball they become attackers and attempt to score. At the end of each attack, whether a player has scored or not, a pair from the other team enters and attacks the opposite goal. The pair who have just finished attacking become defenders and look to prevent the other pair from scoring. The practice continues thus – pairs enter as attackers, then become defenders and finally leave the pitch and rejoin the line.

COACHING POINTS

• Positive play: always travel forward and do not turn back.
• Decisive decision making: When to retain the ball and when to pass it?
• Supporting player: consider where your run takes you.