Practice 1: Defence to attack

WHY USE IT

This three-part session helps players react quickly when winning back the ball.

 

Set-up

Set up a grid relative to the age and ability of your players, and split players into two teams of four. Two players from each team start opposite each other on the outside (one team left to right, the other top to bottom) and two from each team start on the inside, as per the diagram.

 

HOW TO play

Either team can start with the ball. They must first try and get it to one of their outside players to win a point. Once they have achieved this, they then aim to get the ball to their other outside player to win another point, switching sides each time to score. 

The opposing team tries to win the ball back. If successful, they then become the attacking team and aim to find their players on the outside to score points.

progressions

• Outside players on one touch only.
• The ball must be touched by both players in the middle before going to an outside target player.
• If a player passes to an outside target player, they switch places.

 

COACHING POINTS

React quickly in or out of possession.

 

In possession

• Attack quickly and move to exploit the space (speed of transition).
• Body position to receive: on the half-turn to see the overall bigger picture.
• Scanning to identify space, opposition and team-mate(s).

Out of possession

Defend immediately and communicate effectively in the middle to win the ball back, pressing to dictate play with the support of team-mate.