How it works
- Who starts
- A2, the blue player with the ball in the left-hand zone.
- Who takes part
- Four blues on the left (A1 to A4), four yellows on the right (B1 to B4) and four reds in the central zone (R1 to R4).
- What the ball does
- R1 steps in to press A2, A2 passes to A4 and A4 sends the ball through the gap to B2, on the other side.
- How to score
- One point for every ball that crosses and is controlled by the other outside team.
- When it ends
- The action ends when the ball reaches the other side or the defence wins it; the set ends when time is up.
- How it restarts
- The team that receives the ball continues; after an interception, the team that entered the zone restarts.
- How players rotate
- The team that loses the ball goes to the central zone and the defenders who win it take over their zone.
Number of players
9-15 players
Format
4 + 4 against 4 in three zones
Recommended
4 × 12 min
Rest 60s · Medium intensity
Space
Small-sided space
Space
20×40 m
Goal
Shift as a unit to close passing lanes, intercept and keep the ball after winning it.
Description
A 40 x 20 m pitch split into three zones: two 15 m zones at the ends and a 10 m central one. In each end zone there is a team of four with the ball, and in the central zone a team of four defends. The outside players pass the ball around in their zone until they find a free passing lane and send the ball to the other side: every ball that reaches the other team is a point. The defenders shift across to close the passing lanes and only one of them can enter the ball zone to press.
Step by step
- 1
R1 enters the left-hand zone to press A2.
- 2
A2 passes to A4, away from the pressure.
- 3
A4 sends the ball through the gap between R2 and R4 to B2.
Rules
The outside players cannot leave their zone. Only one defender can enter the ball zone; the other three stay in the central one. If the ball crosses and the other team controls it: one point. If the defence intercepts, they must make two passes among themselves for the win to count.
Equipment
- 8 cones to mark the zones
- Balls
- Bibs in three colours
Physical focus
Recommended times by goal
- Tactical: 4 × 3' · rest 1' · Medium intensityOrientativo
Rotation and restart
The team that loses the ball goes to defend in the central zone and the defenders who won it take over their zone. If there is no interception, roles change every set.
Coaching points
- Defenders: all four move together towards the ball side.
- Look at the ball and at the player who is going to receive it before the pass is made.
- If you win it, come out facing the space and look for the safe pass.
- Attackers: if it is closed, move the ball to the other side and look again.
Common mistakes
The defenders stand still and leave gaps between them.
How to correct: Shift together towards the ball side, about 5 m apart.
The defender who steps in runs straight at the ball and is beaten by a pass.
How to correct: Step in on a curved run, cutting out the clearest pass.
The ball is lost straight after winning it.
How to correct: Control it facing away from the pressure and make the first pass a safe one.
Questions for the players
- “Which pass are you trying to cut out when the ball is out wide?”
- “When is it better to wait than to go and win the ball?”
Levels
- A · easyThree against three in each zone and a wider central zone, 14 m: passing is easier.
- B · standardAs described: four, four and four, with one defender allowed to enter.
- C · advancedTwo defenders can enter the ball zone and the outside players play two-touch.
If you have fewer or more players
- With 9 fewer: Three per zone and two defenders in the middle. (3 + 3 against 3)
- With more: Five per zone and a 50 x 25 m pitch. (5 + 5 against 5)
- With odd numbers: The extra player acts as a joker for the outside teams, in the zone that has the ball.
Age
Variations
- Compulsory ground pass. The ball has to cross along the ground: a lofted pass does not score.
- Reward for winning it. If the defence intercepts and makes three passes in a row, they score two points.
Source: Gesdep (adaptado)