Attack and defend - at the same time By David Clarke

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Attack and defend - at the same time

By David Clarke

This game offers players a vast number of in-play options - whether to attack, whether to defend, whether to close down space or whether to press an opponent.

And these scenarios will change throughout the game with play going forwards and backwards.

It's important that players are encouraged to vary their roles, as well as being ready to react to a new event as soon as the previous one has ended, e.g. a goal may be scored, but the scorer must be prepared to turn immediately and help out in a defensive situation.

How to set it up:

• Depending on the age of your squad, create a pitch size between 30x20 yards and 40x25 yards.
• The practice needs two teams of four players, plus two keepers.
• There are no offsides.

Getting started:

• To start, blow your whistle for both teams to enter the pitch - they start from opposite ends.
• Throw two balls onto the pitch. Whoever has possession of them means either team could be attacking or defending - or both!
• The game continues until both balls have left the pitch (into a goal or out of play).
• Continue the game for a further five balls by feeding in one at a time to replace those gone.
• When all five balls have been played, count the goals scored and announce the winning team.