Practice 1: We’re outnumbered!

WHY USE IT

An out-of-possession session giving defenders the challenge of protecting the goal while outnumbered. This first practice puts them in a situation where they need to try and delay the attackers and force them away from goal until support arrives.

SET UP

Set up an area with one end zone, where the two attackers start the practice. At the other end is a small goal, which the defender protects. There is also a server positioned at this same end. The defender begins the practice within the main area.

HOW TO PLAY

The server passes to the attackers, who enter the area and try to pass into the small goal. After a set time, the server can enter as a second defender. If the defender wins the ball, they have to travel with it into the end zone. If they do this before the second defender enters the area, they win two points, or one point if afterwards. After each game, the defender and server swap roles and after a set number of games, the attackers become the defender and server.

COACHING POINTS

• Delay attackers from getting forward
• Look to dictate where the player on the ball goes by forcing them out wide
• Body shape and positioning
• Identify an opportunity to try to win the ball.