Purpose
The purpose of this soccer fitness and conditioning drill is to replicate a player sprinting back after losing possession of the ball.
Set up
- 7 players ( 3 defenders, 3 attackers, 1 goalkeeper)
- 1 goal
- 3 pug goals
- 20 x 20-yard area
- 3 cones
How it works
Attackers will start in the area in line with the pug goals.
The defenders will start 5 yards back behind the pug goals
As soon as the first pass is played the defender can begin their recovery run. If the attacker scores the attacking team will get 3 points.
If the defending team is able to prevent the attacking team from scoring they will get 1 point, however, if they are able to stop the attacking team from scoring and score in a pug goal themselves they will get 2 points.
Rotate around so everyone has had a chance to be an attacker and defender.
The winning team will be the team with the most points.
Coaching points
- React quickly to the first pass being played
- Try to get goal side as quickly as possible
- Force the attacker into a mistake
Questions
- As soon as the pass is played what should the defender do?
- Where should the defender position themselves?
- When should you try to win the ball?
