More teams are refusing to kick for touch, instead kicking for territory in a bid to launch counter attacks. This simple session helps players discover ways to perfect this and should be a standard session for every season.

Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 10-15
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 7-10

What to think about

Start by kicking or throwing a ball for players to catch. Encourage them to call loudly for the ball and jump while catching it. Put the catchers various situations: Plenty of time and under a lot of pressure, always ensuring support players also read the situation. They must help him make the right decision by moving and talking to him before he catches the ball.

set-up

1. Call for the ball loudly and early. Move quickly to catch it before it hits the ground. Jump while making the catch.
2. If not involved in the catch, move into a position to collect any dropped balls or to take a pass from the fielding player. Talk to the catcher and let him know where you are.
3. Once the ball is caught, sum up the situation then react – run, pass or do both.
4. As support players, take the initial pass on the run and go forward.

What you get your players to do

Play in groups of 3v3. A 9 makes the first pass to a player who kicks the ball to one of the three opponents facing him and his two team mates chase the kick (see picture 1). The three counter attackers have to field the ball then attack the two defenders chasing the kick. A variety of individual and collective techniques and skills can be used to beat the two chasing defenders (see picture 2).