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 · U14
Defend Two Targets
A connected three-player defensive line protects two separated targets against four attackers.
- Duration
- 12 min
- Players
- 7–14 (ideal 7)
- Defending
- Communication
- Movement
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 7-player group is shown. Four blue attackers face three red defenders and two secured empty mini goals on the right end. One blue holds the only ball. Red begins across both target routes, with the middle defender deeper enough to cover a pass beyond a teammate.
Coaching points
- Setup: Four blue attackers face three red defenders and two secured empty mini goals on the right end. One blue holds the only ball. Red begins across both target routes, with the middle defender deeper enough to cover a pass beyond a teammate.
- Play: Blue may circulate or carry at walking pace and places a ground finish into either empty target for one. Red earns one for a clean interception or safely forcing the ball out. After a switch, the nearest red closes the new route and both partners slide across without abandoning the other target. Stop for any unsafe close shot or converging challenge.
- Reset and rotation: Stop after a score or ball out and restart blue from a different left position. Rotate all seven through both teams after two episodes, keeping the four-versus-three allocation. Rest after 45 seconds. Retrieve outside both target routes only while stopped.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 7 players. With up to 14, 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: Protect both targets as one unit: the far defender checks the unattended route while the nearest moves ball-side. Ask how the central cover changes when the ball switches and when delay is safer than stepping out.
- 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. Ground placed shots only, secured empty goals and no goalkeeper or close body block.
Equipment
- Ball · 2 per group, including a spare
- Mini Goal · 2 per group
- Flat Marker · 4 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 7 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Blue makes an announced switch and pauses while the three defenders name near, cover and far responsibilities.
- Harder Blue selects either target after varied circulation; red reassesses the three responsibilities while retaining walking pressure and safe shooting distance.
