Staying compact

WHY USE IT

Helps players to remain compact and limit the space available to the opposition when they have the ball.

SET UP

An area suitable for the players participating. Split it horizontally into five equal zones. At each end are two small goals. Split the players into two teams.

HOW TO PLAY

Play the game as normal, with the teams defending their own small goals while trying to score in their opponents’ goals. When a team has possession, they can go anywhere they want. 

Out of possession, however, they can only have players in a maximum of two zones, which must be next to each other. The opposition gets a point each time this does not happen. Teams also win three points if they score a goal.

Coaching points

• The players from the team which is out of possession need to react to the ball as it moves from one zone to another, especially when it travels backwards.
• Leadership and communication skills are needed as players need to tell team-mates to push forward or drop back.