Practice 2: Winning the ball

WHY USE IT

Players can now develop their understanding of working together as a pair to win the ball.

SET UP

Set up an area appropriate for your players and split it into thirds. Divide players into three teams, with each placed into one of the thirds. The teams in each of the end thirds have one player just outside of the area with a ball.

HOW TO PLAY

A player outside the area plays a pass to a team-mate and then enters the area to join them. Two players from the central third then enter as defenders, to make a 4v2. The attackers win a point for completing a set number of passes, while the defenders get a point for winning the ball. Once a point is won or the ball goes out, a ball is played into the other final third and the two remaining players from the central third enter as defenders. The practice continues for a set period, then the team in the central third is rotated.

COACHING POINTS

• Defenders work on the same points outlined in the first practice, plus they also need to work together to close down spaces, press the player on the ball and cut off passing lines.