TACKLE BOX MATRIX
Individual elimination and defending skills
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Groups of 3-5 players (Optional GK)
- Cones to mark the space
- Approx. 15m x 5m space
- Cones to mark the space
- Approx. 15m x 5m space
HOW IT WORKS:
Set up a space as per the diagram. Start with 1-2 players as defenders and the remaining players as attackers.
The activity starts as soon as Defender, Player D, passes the ball to Attacker, Player A1. Player A1 is trying to carry the ball controlled through one of the gates at the end of the box. Player D1 is trying to stop the attacker and force a turnover.
Allow players to rotate through both attacking and defending roles.
Consider starting with, or progressing to, attackers starting on the top left or right hand side of the box, and allow defenders to start on any of cones except the cone the attacker is on.
The activity starts as soon as Defender, Player D, passes the ball to Attacker, Player A1. Player A1 is trying to carry the ball controlled through one of the gates at the end of the box. Player D1 is trying to stop the attacker and force a turnover.
Allow players to rotate through both attacking and defending roles.
Consider starting with, or progressing to, attackers starting on the top left or right hand side of the box, and allow defenders to start on any of cones except the cone the attacker is on.
WHAT TO FOCUS ON:
- Defenders' footwork and body position to close down space and create opportunities to force a turnover
- Defenders decision making on type of tackle, timing, delaying, and channelling techniques
- Attackers receiving on the move with purpose to attack the space and create opportunities to eliminate the defender
- Defenders decision making on type of tackle, timing, delaying, and channelling techniques
- Attackers receiving on the move with purpose to attack the space and create opportunities to eliminate the defender
WAYS TO ADAPT:
- Randomly adjust the starting position of the attacker and defender to simulate different scenarios
- Allow Attackers and Defenders to randomly select their starting position
- Make the dimensions bigger or smaller
- Change the position of the gate for the attacker to carry the ball through
- Defenders who turn over the ball must make a pass to their resting defender or carry through the top of the grid
- Set up activity to finish with a goal shot if involving a GK
- Allow Attackers and Defenders to randomly select their starting position
- Make the dimensions bigger or smaller
- Change the position of the gate for the attacker to carry the ball through
- Defenders who turn over the ball must make a pass to their resting defender or carry through the top of the grid
- Set up activity to finish with a goal shot if involving a GK