Fast back, fast forward

WHY USE IT

The passer must attack the defender at pace. They can’t do this from a flat alignment so the key to success is finding the right depth to build up speed.

set up

A ball, cones and a 30m box for the game.

HOW TO PLAY

ACTIVITY: Put four attackers opposite three defenders, creating a spare attacker at one end. On your command, the defenders run back to the cones and then forward to pressurise their opposite number. Meanwhile, attackers realign, receive a pass from a feeder at the side and pass the ball through all the attackers to the end. Adjust distances to create different challenges.

DEVELOPMENT: Have two defenders double up on one of the attackers so there are more gaps. Use full-on tackling.

CONDITIONED GAME: Split players into groups of five. Put two groups in the middle. Make one player from a team run to a designated point with a ball and lie on the ground. They represent the defenders but present the ball to the attackers. The attacking team has five seconds to realign and then attack (as a 5v4) from this prone player. Use full tackling. The defence marks a possible pick and go and a wide ball.

COACHING POINTS

• Get into an attacking shape quickly by running back, but facing forwards.
• Run hard and straight to engage defenders and move the ball to space.