6v6 with goalkeepers on 60 x 40 m: when the ball is lost the team drops back to the line set by the score
Linkalde exercise
How it works
- Who starts
- D2, the blue centre-back, with the ball in his own half; the blues in a 3-3 and the reds in a 3-3 in the opposite half.
- Who takes part
- Six blues, six reds and two goalkeepers.
- What the ball does
- The blues attack with combined passes to the right; when they lose it, the blues run to their drop-back line and the reds attack to the left.
- How to score
- One point per goal; the score decides each team's drop-back line.
- When it ends
- When the time of each series ends.
- How it restarts
- With a goal kick from the goalkeeper after a goal or the ball going out.
- How players rotate
- Every four minutes the teams swap roles.
Number of players
14-14 players
Format
Six against six with goalkeepers
Recommended
3 × 20 min
Rest 90s · High intensity
Space
Half pitch
Space
40×60 m
Goalkeepers
2
Goal
Train the transition from attack to defence and collective defensive positioning at three heights, adapting it to the score, with fast recovery runs and keeping the body orientation.
Description
A 60 x 40 m pitch with a goal on each short side and a goalkeeper in each. Six play against six plus the goalkeepers, both teams in a 3-3: three defenders and three forwards. In the blue team's half three defensive lines are marked with cones: drop-back (18 m from their goal), middle (30 m) and high (40 m). The blues start with the ball (D2) and attack to the right with combination play down the lanes. If they lose the ball, they must drop back to the line that matches the score: if they are losing, the high line; if level, the middle one; if winning, the drop-back line. From that line they defend in zonal fashion and win the ball back with intensity. The reds play the same way towards the left and drop back to their mirror line.
Step by step
- 1
D2 passes to D1, on the side, to start the attack down the left lane.
- 2
D1 passes to F1, who waits in the upper lane, further forward.
- 3
F1 dribbles towards the byline and loses the ball to a red defender.
- 4
The blues run to their drop-back line according to the score (in the drawing, level: middle line).
- 5
Rotation: every four minutes the teams swap roles.
Rules
When the ball is lost, the whole team runs to its line before it can press the ball carrier. Each team has its own score and the line is decided by the score at that moment. The team that wins the ball may attack immediately; the defender cannot cross his line until the ball has crossed it.
Equipment
- Balls
- 12 cones
- Bibs in 2 colours
- 2 goals with goalkeeper
Physical focus
Recommended times by goal
- Tactical: 3 × 6'40" · rest 1'30" · High intensityOrientativo
Rotation and restart
Every four minutes the teams swap roles: the blues defend the other goal.
Coaching points
- Run to the line facing away from the ball only as long as needed, then look at it again.
- The three forwards drop first; the defenders move up or down to keep the distance between lines.
- Talk: whoever has the ball in front of him calls the height of the line.
- Once on the line, press the ball carrier with intensity and close the inside pass.
Common mistakes
Each player positions himself on a different line.
How to correct: The team decides the line from the score and everyone runs to the same one.
They drop back running with their backs to the ball and lose sight of it.
How to correct: Run sideways, with the body facing the ball and the teammates.
They leave a gap between the defenders and the forwards when dropping back.
How to correct: Keep a distance of 8 to 10 m between lines.
Questions for the players
- “Which line would you choose if you are winning by a small margin with little time left?”
- “What do you do with your body to keep seeing the ball while you drop back?”
Levels
- A · easyBoth teams always drop back to the middle line.
- B · standardAs described.
- C · advancedThe coach changes the score halfway through the series and the teams must adapt instantly.
If you have fewer or more players
- With 10 fewer: With ten players, play 4v4 with a 2-2 on a 50 x 30 m pitch. (4v4 with goalkeepers)
- With more: The extra players wait outside and replace those who get tired. (7v7 with goalkeepers)
- With odd numbers: The extra player acts as a joker for the team in possession.
Age
Variations
- Free score. The coach calls out every minute which team is losing, level or winning, so they change line.
- With offside. Play with offside marked by the chosen drop-back line.
Source: Gesdep (adaptado)