Pairs vs Free-range Defenders

Focus

Attacking Systems, Games & Races.

Skills

Preliminary Moves & Passing, Defensive Moves.

Purpose

Free range defenders run around trying to intercept pairs passing. Good peripheral vision needed by pairs, well-disguised intercepts required by defenders.

Players

7⁺

Ages

6⁺

Balls

Cones

Distance (max)

Opp. tops

Visible opposition strip: 3

Setup
Allocate 1 defender per 1.5 - 2 pairs (e.g. 3/4 pairs=2 defenders, 5/6 pairs=3 defenders). If 3 pairs, restrict playing area to 1/3 otherwise use 2/3.
Step 1
Pairs must perform double plays together anywhere within the playing area.

Use preliminary moves to find space

Make a rule that passes must be at least 2m, to give defenders a better chance.

Enforce held ball rule
Step 2
Defenders use three stages of defending to effect a turnover. Any pair is fair game, so pairs need to use peripheral vision to scan for defenders ready to pounce.
Step 3
If a turnover applies, return the ball to the pair and they restart. Continue for set period of 60-90 seconds.

To make it fun, count the number of turnovers a defensive unit effected - highest score wins
Step 4
Another option is to gradually build intensity is to start with just 1 defender, then every 15 seconds introduce an additional defender from sideline.

Reduces drill intensity for novice teams
Step 5
Take time to reflect on what caused turnovers; rotate defenders and restart.