Playing out from the back

Objectives — what the players will do

1. 1Restart with a controlled pass or dribble instead of a blind kick
2. 2Spread big on every restart — wide, wide, deep
3. 3Be brave with the ball near our own goal

Play 1 — starts when the second player arrives

4v4 — Start From the Back

Every restart begins with the ball controlled at the team's own end line — dribble it in or pass it in, never a boot. Round one you only observe: who is brave with the ball back there, and who kicks blind?

Practice — the one taught activity of the night

Big Shape Restarts

A 30x20 field. Four attackers restart from their own end line against two defenders who must start at halfway. On "go," the attackers sprint to their spots — two wide, one deep — then play out; they score by crossing halfway with the ball under control. Add a third defender when it looks easy. Praise three things: taking your wide spot FAST, a safe first pass, and a brave receiver.

Play 2 — always finish playing the real game

4v4 — Built Goals Count Double

Any goal from a possession that started controlled at the back counts double. If a blind clearance gifts the ball away, no punishment — a quick quiet word, then play on. Mistakes made being brave are tuition.

Key coaching points — in your own words

• ·The ball goes dead — how fast can we spread wide, wide, deep?
• ·Space in front of you? Dribble into it. A friend freer than you? Pass.
• ·Is it better to boot it away, or to keep it with a friend?
• ·Be brave near our own goal — we protect the badge by playing, not panicking.