Track and Hand Over
Two defenders communicate a receiver handover when a moving opponent crosses into the teammate’s zone.
- 12 min
- 5–10 players
Drill · U15
Ground Cross Protection
A defender keeps both runner and ball in view and selects a clear interception point on a low wide service.
- Duration
- 12 min
- Players
- 4–8 (ideal 4)
- Defending
- Scanning
- Communication
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 4-player group is shown. A blue wide server and arriving blue receiver face two red defenders beside one secured empty goal. One ball begins wide. The flat meeting marker identifies a possible ground-cross arrival; red 1 watches the lower runner and red 2 provides deeper support. Nobody stands in or behind the goal.
Coaching points
- Setup: A blue wide server and arriving blue receiver face two red defenders beside one secured empty goal. One ball begins wide. The flat meeting marker identifies a possible ground-cross arrival; red 1 watches the lower runner and red 2 provides deeper support. Nobody stands in or behind the goal.
- Play: The receiver walks towards the meeting point and the server plays a gentle low cross when the route is clear. Red tracks without contact and earns one by stopping the travelling cross before it reaches the runner. If the runner receives cleanly, stop without requiring a shot. If the interception and runner would converge, stop the ball early and discuss a safer starting position.
- Reset and rotation: Stop after the interception, reception or ball out. Collect outside the service route and rotate all four roles after each attempt. Rest after three turns each and mirror the service side. No continuous second ball follows in this activity.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 4 players. With up to 8, 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: Adopt an open body position to see the wide ball and the runner. Communicate which defender attacks the clear ball route and which protects depth; an intervention must not require stepping through the runner.
- Safety: Ground passes only. Walking opposition may intercept travelling or exposed balls, never tackle an occupied foot, slide, push or force contact. Stop when routes converge; collect and change roles only with play stopped. Low cross only; no heading, volleys, keeper or forced body block.
Equipment
- Ball · 2 per group, including a spare
- Flat Marker · 1 per group
- Mini Goal · 1 per group
- Flat Marker · 4 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 4 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier The receiver waits at the marker and the server announces the low route before passing.
- Harder The receiver chooses a nearby arrival point before the gentle service; defenders adjust their open view and responsibility while preserving separation.
