Organization:

Open area set up as shown

12 players (6 teams of 2) set up as shown

6 balls

Players are 10 yards apart

Instructions:

Players pass the ball back and fourth between each other

When one player stops the ball the other must run into close them down

The defender then returns back to their starting position 10 yards away from the ball

Repeat sequence

Either player can stop the ball at anytime

Coaching Points:

Close down quickly

Slow down as you approach the attacker

Bend the knees stay sideways on to the ball

Progressions:

Allow players to perform tackling techniques when they arrive

Allow the player that stops the ball to try and go around the defending player

The ball is stopped on every third pass so players know when to close down

Organization:

20x10 Yard Area set up as shown

6 players (4 Attackers and 2 Defenders) set up as shown

Defender starts with the ball

Additional balls by the defender

Instructions:

The defender passes the ball into one of the two attackers

The defender can close the attacking player down on their first touch

The attacking player must try to penetrate the end line

After each attempt the attacking players joins the next line and the defender re-starts the activity from the center

Points are awarded for a successful dribble or tackle

Rotate players after a set time limit

Coaching Points:

Angle and speed of approach.

Body Position should be side ways on and low to the ground.

Be patient

Correct option to block or poke

Progressions:

Allow 2nd attacker to support the ball from behind.

Reduce the closing distance for the defender

Organization:

20x20 yard area set up as shown

12 players (4 Defenders, 8 Attackers) set up as shown

8 balls (1 ball per attacker) (Additional around the outside)

Instructions:

Each attacking player attempts to keep possession of their ball inside the area for as long as possible

The defending players tryt to win the attacking players balls and pass them outside the area

If the attacker’s ball is knocked out they must dribble through two gates to re-enter the game

The idea is to get all attacking players out of the game as quickly as possible

Rotate defending players over a set time period, record any time a defending team knocks all attackers’ balls out of the area.

Use this to motivate other groups and keep a leader board

Coaching Points:

Correct tackling technique (block or poke tackle)

Ankle locked

Body weight forward to gain possession

Progressions:

Reduce the number of defenders

Allow players who have their ball kicked out to work with other attackers to help keep possession of theirs

Increase number of defending players to play 6 vs. 6

Increase the number of gates attackers must dribble through to re-enter the game

Organization:

40x40 yard area set up as shown

12 players (2 teams of 4 + 4 Targets) set up as shown

1 ball (Additional around the outside)

Instructions:

Teams score by receiving the ball from one target player and then making a pass to the other

If the defending team wins the ball they look to repeat with their own target players

Players are allowed as many touches as required and can combine with one another in the middle

The ball is not allowed to go backwards to target players once the ball is passed in

If the ball leaves the area the game is re-started by the opposing team's target player

Play to a set time limit and ensure that targets are rotated at regular intervals

Coaching Points:

Close down quickly as the ball travels

Slow down as you approach the attacker

Get touch tight – prevent the attacker from turning

Bend the knees, stay sidew ays on to the ball

Mirror the attacker’s feet

Prepare for next action - Delay or Tackle

Progressions:

Allow attacking players the opportunity to pass backward to target players

Reduce the size of the area so that defending players have less space to protect

Organization:

35x60 yard area set up as shown

14 players set up as shown

1 ball (Additional around the outside)

Instructions:

Play 2 v 2 in each of the three zones

Players can only operate within their assigned zone

Normal restart rules apply

Coaching Points:

Close down quickly

Angle of approach to make play predictable

Slow down as you approach the attacker

Bend the knees, stay sideways onto the ball

Correct moments to tackle

Techniques of tackling

Progressions:

Remove restriction zones