Danger man

If your opponents boast a player capable of winning the game with a moment of solo genius, then use this activity to coach your team to contain this special threat

 

 

Why use it

This is a great practice that will help your players defend efficiently when facing a ‘special’ opponent capable of changing the game in a split second. It teaches them to apply immediate pressure and provide fast defensive cover and support.

 

 

Set up

Use an area of 40x30 yards. You need two full size goals, bibs and a good supply of balls. We’ve used 18 players.

 

 

How to play it

Split your squad into two teams of nine including keepers. The game is a continuous 2v2 with pairs of players swapping once a shot has been taken. The red team starts and attacks the blue goal. The defending team must try to win the ball and counterattack. The pair that either scores or shoots, stays on and immediately defends the next attack. Transition from attack to defence must be immediate.

 

 

Technique

Good communication and movement is needed. The defender should pressure and delay the attacker while the second defender should cover. This is an excellent opportunity to team up on the ‘special player’, although the covering defender must also be aware of the movement and position of the other attacker.