Man-up After a Miss

Focus

Skills under pressure, Defensive, Contested ball, Hard Running, Decision Making, Run & Carry, Forward line delivery, Goalkicking, Gameplan/Strategy.

Skills

GoalKicking, Kicking, Handballing, Tackle, Shepherd.

Purpose

This drill practices breaking the lines to get a shot on goal, then staying switched-on by rushing to find loose players for the kick-in.

Players

12⁺

Ages

13⁺

Balls

Cones

Distance (max)

80m

Opp. tops

50%

Visible opposition strip: 50%

Setup
Form 2 evenly matched teams. 15 compete each time. Attackers choose 6 to start at (A), defenders choose 9 to fill (B - C - D). Give one ball to attackers at (A), and another to the full-back at (C).
Step 1
Only groups (A & B) are active, groups (C & D) remain stationary for the first part of the drill. On 'go!' attacking team (A) must work the ball by hand and foot, avoiding 3 x (B)'s and getting a shot on goal.

Defenders (B) may only enter the square once the exercise begins

The best method of attack is to spread apart in a line, then run right at (B)'s in a wave, opening them up with a quick lateral handball, or a dummy and sidestep.

Match conditions (tackling allowed)
Step 2
As soon as the shot on goal is taken, defenders (B + C + D) now become attackers with a second ball kicked in by the full-back at (C), their goal to mark the ball over the half-way line. (A)'s now become defenders in a (6 on 9) contest

(C) may kick the ball in immediately and should look to see if there is a fast break available to open space

(C) should also survey which side the ground has weight-of-numbers when considering which player to use
Step 3
Stop after a turnover, ball-up, or the ball passing halfway. Give (A)'s one more chance if they don't get a shot on goal. Take a breather. Switch starting roles by subbing 3 extras on as defenders, and 3 off (from the team of 9); restart.

Each subsequent turn in a team of 9, players shuffle starting group (B to C), (C to D)...