Practice 2: We’re outnumbered!

WHY USE IT

This practice increases both the number of attackers and defenders, which in turn will raise the number of decisions and actions the defenders will need to make and complete.

SET UP

Set up an area with an end zone and two small goals at each end. Three attackers start the practice within one end zone, with two defenders inside the main area. A server is positioned at the end of the area that the defenders are protecting.

HOW TO PLAY

The server plays the ball into one of the attackers, who enters the area and attempts to score into one of the two small goals. After a set time, the server can enter as a third defender. If the defenders win the ball at any time, they become the attackers and one player from the other team must drop out for a set time before they can return to the area. The game always restarts with a server. Attackers win one point for a pass into a goal, three points for getting into the end zone and five points for scoring from inside the end zone.

COACHING POINTS

• Defenders working together as a pair and possibly a three; distance and angles between them; look to force the player on the ball out wide; body shape and positioning; identify an opportunity to try and win the ball.