Time Your Lead

Focus

Hard Running, Run & Carry.

Skills

Kick Long.

Purpose

This drill is great for fitness and concentrating on disposal when tired. It also requires a well-timed lead.

Players

14⁺

Ages

15⁺

Balls

2⁺

Cones

Distance (max)

160m

Opp. tops

Visible opposition strip: 2

Setup
If numbers are 24+, split into 2 groups of 12+ up each wing. Groups are 140m apart. Choose 2 x defenders to work the middle of each line. Place cones (1) and (2) 15m from the centre circle.
Step 1
(A) starts running hard, bouncing as required, at the same time (B) prepares to lead. Meanwhile the defender from cone (1) rushes at (A) to pressure them.

Defenders cannot go beyond cones (1 & 2).

Defenders (2) is not involved and clears out a few metres from (A)'s path
Step 2
When (A) reaches a position where: (1) they can reach their teammate and (2) avoid the oncoming defender, they kick long to (B)

(B) musn't lead too early

(B) should mark running at full pace

After the kick, the defender must back to cone (1) before they can rush at the next (A)
Step 3
Once (B) marks, they play on immediately and repeat back the other way after the mark, running the full distance, then kicking over their approaching defender to next (A)

Defender (2) cannot leave the cone until their opposition player has the ball

Afterwards, the defender must run back and touch cone (2) before they can rush at the next (B)
Step 4
Defenders will become exhausted, If the defender is struggling and extra space is available, use it!

Change defenders after 1-2 minutes.
Step 5
Progression: If you have between 14 and 19 players (one busy line), introduce a second ball.