Rushing Defender Triangle

Focus

Skills under pressure, Hard Running.

Skills

Kick Long.

Purpose

Players must not panic when an oncoming playier is rushing at them, instead use the time available to make space and steady for the kick.

Groups of

Ages

7⁺

Balls/grp

1⁺

Cones

Distance (max)

40m

Setup
Groups of 7 each form a 40m triangle, with inside cones about 35m from outside ones.
Step 1
Player on the outside cones (A - B - C) must dispose by foot to the next player in sequence

(A to B), (B to C), (C to A).
Step 2
Players on the inside cones must run out and pressure the player who will receive and kick

(D) pressures (A), (E) pressures (B), (F) pressures (C)

They can only leave the cone once the ball has left the boot of the player upfield - penalties for cheating
Step 3
The trajectory of the kick is important. If the ball hangs, the outside player is going to wait longer and be under more pressure.

There is no "marking" rule, play-on applies at all times
Step 4
So (D) pressures kicker (A), who finds enough space to kick to stationary (B), then:-

(D) stays at (A) and becomes the next target/kicker at that station

(A) runs into the centre cone NEAREST to the cone they kicked to (A to E / B to F / C to G)
Step 5
Players continue around the triangle in this fashion (kick / pressure / kick / pressure....)
Step 6
Progression 1: Rotate the direction of play.

This will make it much harder to play on around your weak side.
Step 7
Progression 2: Bring the cones in closer.

This will reduce the time players have to dispose.