Block the Escape Zone
The team that loses the ball counter-presses to prevent a controlled escape into the neighbouring zone.
- 12 min
- 6–12 players
Drill · U14
Recover to Protect
After a placed attack, the former attacker recovers in a separate lane to protect the next target by reaching a defensive checkpoint.
- Duration
- 10 min
- Players
- 2–4 (ideal 2)
- Transition
- Defending
- Movement
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 2-player group is shown. Blue begins with a stationary ball near the right goal in the upper recovery lane. Red waits with a separate stopped ball near the right end of the lower carry lane, which ends at the left goal. A flat recovery checkpoint lies in blue’s lane. A second flat marker in the lower lane identifies red’s shooting position. The lanes never merge.
Coaching points
- Setup: Blue begins with a stationary ball near the right goal in the upper recovery lane. Red waits with a separate stopped ball near the right end of the lower carry lane, which ends at the left goal. A flat recovery checkpoint lies in blue’s lane. A second flat marker in the lower lane identifies red’s shooting position. The lanes never merge.
- Play: Blue places a ground shot into the upper empty goal, then turns and walks or gently jogs towards the recovery checkpoint. Only after that shot has stopped does the coach release red to walk-carry left. If blue reaches the checkpoint before red reaches its left shooting position, the coach stops red’s turn: blue has protected the target for one recovery point.
- Play continued: Otherwise red may place one ground finish while blue stays in the upper lane.
- Reset and rotation: Stop both lanes at the recovery cue or red’s finish. Collect outside, exchange both roles and set a generous red starting delay before repeating. Rest after three turns each. The defender never chases into the ball carrier’s lane.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 2 players. With up to 4, use a second complete group in a separate area. Odd spare players rest off the area and rotate into a playing role every 45 seconds; everyone has equal turns.
- Coach focus: Respond to the end of the attack by looking towards the next threat and moving into a useful protective position. Choose a comfortable recovery turn; reaching the checkpoint represents protection rather than a physical tackle.
- Safety: Separate lanes, controlled walking carry and placed shots; no goalkeeper, contact, contested ball or maximal-speed chase. Stop the first shot before the second ball is released. Adjust the delay to allow calm recovery and stop if either route converges.
Equipment
- Ball · 3 per group, including a spare
- Flat Marker · 1 per group
- Flat Marker · 1 additional lower shooting-position marker per group
- Mini Goal · 2 per group
- Flat Marker · 12 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 2 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Pause red until blue has turned and named the checkpoint, then allow a walking recovery.
- Harder Vary the generous release delay so blue recognises the next attack promptly; do not increase speed or require catching red.
