Recovering Run

Objective

Train defenders to sprint back, recover goal-side, and delay the attacker.

Equipment

• Ball
• Cones

Instructions

1. 1

   Set up a 30-yard channel. Defender starts level with the attacker at the top.

2. 2

   Coach plays the ball in behind. Attacker sprints to the ball; defender must sprint to get goal-side.

3. 3

   Once goal-side, the defender transitions into a jockey — no immediate tackle.

4. 4

   Repeat 6 times, alternating which side the ball is played into.

Coaching Points

• ✓ Sprint at full speed to get ahead of the attacker — do not jog.
• ✓ Once goal-side, slow down and get side-on immediately.
• ✓ Do not dive in — the goal is to delay until help arrives.

Age Notes

Variations

• → Add a second defender who joins as cover 5 seconds later.
• → Give the attacker a one-second head-start to increase difficulty.