SETUP:
- 20x50 area (15yd zones flanking a 20yd square)
- 2 Neutral fullbacks outside central square, target at each short end of the whole grid
- 2 teams of 2 CBs, 2 CMs, #10 and 1 forward. End grids are 2 CBs v 1 forward, central grid 3v3 with all 6 midfielders
PLAY:
- Play is directional
- Target plays ball into one teams CB, team in possession must play through the central zone and connect with the Target at the far end
- When in possession, 1 midfielder from that team can float into the end zones. Midfielders can also use the neutral FBs (on two touch) to retain the ball. All other players stay in their grids.
- When target is connected, they return the ball to the defenders closest to them
- Any ball OOB, restart from target
COACHING POINTS:
- When receiving from the CBs use starting position to create space in midfield that allows time/space to turn and play forward
- When ball in play use movement off the ball to create the space to play forward; use opposite movements and diagonal runs
- When unable to play forward secure and retain the ball
in more ways than one
sportplan_netball
in more ways than one
sportplan_football
Set pieces account for roughly a third of all goals in football, yet many coaches spend surprisingly little time coaching defensive organisation at corners and free kicks. This article compares zonal and man marking systems, explores hybrid approaches, and provides a practical session structure for building set piece resilience into your team.
A player's first touch determines everything that follows: whether they can play forward, turn, or simply retain the ball. This article explores why training first touch in isolation is not enough, and how to design sessions that develop this critical skill under realistic game pressure.
The coaching methodology revolution sweeping grassroots football - and how to implement it at your club this season.
