Rethinking During Play

Pitch: Mark out an area of 30 x 25 metres with four cones.

Goals: On each of the short sides there is a regular goal in the centre, with a dribbling goal made of flat markers in one colour above and below it. On each of the longer sides there are 2 mini goals, with a dribbling goal made of flat markers in another colour between them.

Equipment: Cones, 2 full-size goals, 4 mini goals, flat markers in two colours for the dribbling goals, bibs in three colours, balls.

Players: Two goalkeepers; the remaining players are divided into 3 teams and numbered consecutively. The team that is not playing waits outside the playing area.

• The coach specifies which two teams play against each other and on which goals.
• The team that is not playing is called into the game by the coach when needed.
• The coach also names the goal that may be scored in, that is the mini goals, the full-size goals or the dribbling goals of one of the two colours.
• There is no fixed direction of play; points may be scored on all the goals that have been released.
• The goalkeepers are neutral players and act only for the team in possession. Play on the full-size goals is the exception.
• If a goalkeeper saves a finish, the goalkeeper kicks the ball high back into the playing area.
• Directions and pairings are changed every minute.

Variations:

• Let all teams play at the same time and release several goals.
• Limit the number of touches.
• On the full-size goals allow only first-time finishes.
• Allow only ground passes.

Note: Drill idea by Eddie Plickat.