| Players | 4–8 |
|---|---|
| Starting space | 22 × 18 yards; two gates at each end |
| Suggested time | 6–10 minutes, including short breaks |
| Equipment | Balls, flat cones, bibs when teams are used |
Set it up
Play 2v2 or 3v3 with two small targets on each end line. Keep gates well separated.
How to play
Attack either target. Defenders move together to protect the ball-side target while staying able to recover if the attack switches. Restart quickly with spare balls.
Make it easier
Bring the two targets closer together.
Add a challenge
Increase the distance between targets to create a bigger switching problem.
What to watch for
Defenders stand permanently in separate goals. Encourage connection to the ball and to each other.
Take it into a game
Finish with a short small-sided game and look for the same defending decision without the activity’s extra conditions. Ask a player to describe one moment when it helped. Keep the next round simple if the skill disappears under pressure.
KEEP IT SIMPLEProtect the space, then choose your moment.
Practical suggestions to adapt to your players. This resource has not received independent coach or referee review. How our content is prepared.