Shadow or Intercept

Skills

Preliminary Moves & Passing, Footwork & Agility, Defensive Moves, Vision & Quick Decisions.

Purpose

Requires a defender to use fast feet to cover their opponent, or commit to a risky intercept.

Groups of

Ages

6⁺

Balls/grp

Cones

Distance (max)

Setup
Two lines, 1.5m apart. The greater the distance between (A & B), the more work required by (C & D), so start 3m apart. Lengthen to increase difficulty.
Step 1
(A & B) pass back and forth. After each pass, hold the ball briefly.
Step 2
Meanwhile team mate (C) runs their line in the direction of the player with the ball, presenting a sideways passing option. (D) uses fast feet to maintain a forward defensive stance between the player with the ball and (C).
Step 3
If (C) is covered, (A / B) ignores them and they keep passing to one another. Eventually (A / B) passes to (C) when they're open while (D) attempts to intercept.

(A / B) must use peripheral vision to see this opportunity

(C) can't change direction to receive, it must be in the direction of play

However if (D) "cheats" by playing a step ahead of (C) - as it's known where (C) is leading - allow (C) to dig-in and receive while stationary
Step 4
Once a successful pass to (C) is completed, or (D) intercepts, play stops, players reset (same role), then restart.
Step 5
After 60-90 seconds, rotate roles.
Step 6
As a progression, allow (D) to leave their line to intercept passes between (A & B).

(A & B) must be watchful of (D)

Once (D) commits, if the move is read by (A / B), they can fake pass and pass to (C) unopposed. So players beware, it's a risky 'all-in' move