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.
- 10 min
- 2–4 players
Drill · U15
Block the Escape Zone
The team that loses the ball counter-presses to prevent a controlled escape into the neighbouring zone.
- Duration
- 12 min
- Players
- 6–12 (ideal 6)
- Pressing
- Transition
- Defending
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 6-player group is shown. Two teams of three begin in zone A of two adjacent equal zones, with one ball. Zone B is initially empty. Roles change on a clean interception; players may then offer or screen routes towards B without contact.
Coaching points
- Setup: Two teams of three begin in zone A of two adjacent equal zones, with one ball. Zone B is initially empty. Roles change on a clean interception; players may then offer or screen routes towards B without contact.
- Play: The starting team circulates gently in A. On a regain, one teammate of the new ball holder can move into B to receive, or the holder can carry there. A controlled reception or stopped carry in B earns the new team one. The team that lost possession earns one by regaining before that escape; forcing the ball out also ends the episode, without a point.
- Play continued: Stop rather than chase a player through a converging route.
- Reset and rotation: Every escape, second regain or ball out ends the attempt. Return all six to A, alternate starting possession and rest after 45 seconds. Exchange which zone is the start after the rest; move spare balls and players only while stopped.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 6 players. With up to 12, 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: Immediately notice the new ball holder and the first available exit. One defender closes that route while teammates screen the receiving space; react to losing possession rather than continuing the old passing task.
- 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.
Equipment
- Ball · 2 per group, including a spare
- Flat Marker · 6 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 6 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Pause at the first regain so the new team identifies an outlet and the losing team names the escape route.
- Harder The new team chooses either a ground pass to a teammate in B or a controlled carry; retain walking pressure and a clear stop at success.
