5v2 Central Target Protect

Title: 5v2 Central Target Rondo Category: Small-Sided Games Age Tags: U11, U13, U15, U17, 19U+ Skill Tags: Possession, Passing & Receiving, Decision Making, First-Time Passing, Movement Off Ball Purpose: Improve possession under pressure while encouraging quick ball movement and decision making to strike a central target. Setup: 12 x 12 yard grid. Place one large cone in the center of the grid. 5 attackers on the outside of the grid. 2 defenders inside the grid. Coach with supply of balls. Drill Steps: • Play begins 5v2 with attackers maintaining possession. • Attackers attempt to hit the central cone with a pass. • Defenders try to win the ball. • If defenders win possession, play resets with coach. • Attacker who loses possession switches into the middle with a partner (coach determines rotation). Coaching Points: • Use passes to move defenders. • Create angles and proper spacing. • Recognize the right moment to strike the target. • Execute clean first-time passes when possible. • Quick reaction after losing possession. Variations: • Two-touch limit. • Require one-touch to hit the cone. • Increase or decrease grid size. • Award points for consecutive passes before striking target. Time: 8–12 minutes