Neutral Extra

Focus

Skills under pressure, Contested ball, Hard Running, Decision Making, Run & Carry.

Skills

Handballing, Tackle, Shepherd.

Purpose

Competitive and high intensity, this drill pits 6 v 5 to work the ball between home bases in a confined area.

Players

15⁺

Ages

13⁺

Balls

Cones

Distance (max)

30m

Opp. tops

50%

Visible opposition strip: 50%

Setup
Form two evenly matched teams of 7 v 7. Two players from each team stand on their home-base cones, polar opposite to one other. 5 v 5 start inside a 30m square. Find a unique top or bib to be worn by the extra. The extra is neutral and helps whoever is in possession.
Step 1
Give the ball to the neutral extra, and make sure everyone is aware this player helps both teams, i.e. always plays offense.
Step 2
Choose a team to start in attack (e.g. A) and on 'go', attacking team (A) must get it to one of their players on the cone by hand.

Normal game rules apply

Neutral extra plays for (A) while they have possession

Players on the cone must remain on it.
Step 3
If a scrimmage or turnover occurs, it's the other team (B)'s turn to attack.

(B) has different home-bases to (A)

The neutral extra switches sides to make it a 6 v 5 in favour of (B)
Step 4
If the attackers get it to a team-mate on the cone, they must then work it to the cone at the opposite end.

Opposition players cannot stand within 1m of the cones.
Step 5
Scoring is as follows:-

1 point when the ball reaches teammates on cones at BOTH ENDS

1 point for each consecutive end reached thereafter
Step 6
Players are going to be spent after 90-120 seconds. If nobody can score, you can optionally allow kicking until someone scores.

Rotate the neutral extra, players on cones, and make substitutes during breaks.