By Alex Trukan
This practice is designed to improve aerobic power in an engaging and fun way. Aerobic power is a physical component that helps to recover between high intensity actions (i.e. sprints) as quickly and as efficiently as possible. It is therefore a fundament to be able to produce high intensity actions as frequently as possible and remain its quality. In addition to that, this practice incorporates all football related technical skills as it is based on game scenario. It can be used almost with all age groups, starting from school level up to the first team professional standard. Fun and engagement is guaranteed if practice is organised correctly.
Set up and directions
Organise a pitch of approximately 20 x 35 yards with two goals, on opposite ends. Divide the group into two teams of 4. Organise goalkeepers into goals. Prepare min. 8 balls to supply if needed.
The game starts with coach playing one ball into each team. Ideally, the pass should be made into back players or a goalkeeper. The most important rule of the game is that a team in order to score has to be in possession of both balls.
As soon as one of the teams gets in possession of both balls, they are allowed to score. After the goal is scored, the game is resumed from the coach who plays one ball to each team. Throw ins and other set pieces have to be taken within 5 seconds (can be reduced to 3 seconds).
Timing
The game should be played 1-3 minutes, and be repeated 6-10 times in 2 series. The rest period between repetitions should be 1-3 mins. and between series – 4 minutes.
Variations
- 6v6/7v7
- Outside neutral players (playing off one touch)
- Both balls have to be on the attacking half before a goal can be scored
By Alex Trukan, Development Coach, Nottingham Forest
@AlexTrukan
