
Setup:Grid Dimensions: Set up a square grid approximately 15x15 yards for the girls' team and a 20x20 yard grid for the boys' team to account for increased intensity. Player Arrangement: Place 6-8 players (attackers) around the perimeter of the grid. Girlsâ Team: Start with 3 defenders in the center. Boysâ Team: Start with 4 defenders in the center. Instructions:Attacking Team (Perimeter Players): Keep possession by splitting defenders with accurate and quick passes. Use 1-2 touch passing to maintain tempo. Movement off the ball is essential to create passing options. Defensive Team (Central Players): Girlsâ Team: Work as a group of 3 to press the ball, communicate, and intercept passes. Boysâ Team: Use a coordinated block of 4 defenders: 1 presses the ball. 2 cut off passing lanes. 1 maintains the defensive shape, shadowing the attackers' movements and communicating with teammates. Transitions: Once defenders win the ball or attackers make a poor pass, the drill resets: Girls: 3 new defenders replace the current group. Boys: The defender who successfully intercepts the ball rotates out, and a new player steps into the center. Game Duration: Each round lasts 2-3 minutes, then rotate players to ensure everyone practices as both attackers and defenders.
Coaching Points:Attackers: Passing and Movement: Play quick, accurate passes with 1-2 touches. Move to open space after passing to offer continuous support. Decision-Making: Look for opportunities to split defenders with through passes. Avoid forcing risky passes; prioritize possession. Defenders: Communication: Constantly talk to teammates to signal pressing, covering, and blocking responsibilities. Coordination: Maintain defensive shape while pressing to avoid leaving gaps. Boysâ team: Execute the "diamond" shape with clear rolesâpressing, lane-cutting, and anchoring. General Tips: Emphasize speed and intensity for both attackers and defenders. Reinforce that the goal is not just winning the ball but doing so efficiently without breaking shape.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
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