2v2 Battles – Can only score with a 1-2 from the outside.

2v2 Battles is fast, intense and utilises all the players in your squad.

Players take it in turns to be in the middle with each game lasting 90 seconds.

The pressure is not just on the 4 players battling it out in the middle, but also on those around the outside. They must be ready to receive a pass at all times as they have to return it first time. If they are not set and ready this could easily lead to a bad pass and a turnover in possession.

Players on the outside can be utilised at any time but only the 2 players in the attacking 3rd can be used to help score a goal.

2v2 Battles – Can only score with a 1-2 from the outside : How it works

Get your pitch set up. Ideally you want to be using a pitch the same size as the penalty area for your age group.

Split your squad into two teams.

Choose the first 4 players to go into the middle. Place the rest around the outside. If you only have a small squad ( 8 players for example ) allow the players on the outside to be fluid and work quarters ( from the side of the goal to the halfway Line )

Play starts with a drop ball in the middle of the pitch between 2 players OR all players start on the goal line and ball is placed on the centre spot for them to race too.

Once the 90 seconds is over, change the players around. Winning team gets a point. If it’s a draw, half a point.

2v2 Battles – Can only score with a 1-2 from the outside: What to expect

Expect the battles to be intense, but expect the passes from the outside to be sloppy at first as most likely they will get caught out watching the action and not be prepared.

Expect it to be quiet, or more cheers of encouragement than proper communication, encourage the players on the outside to communicate they are available for the pass.

Some games maybe a little one-sided, so make sure that you not only rotate who is on the inside and outside, but who is paired up with who and matched fairly.

2v2 Battles – Can only score with a 1-2 from the outside: Coaching Points & Scale Ups

This is a great arena for players to showcase their 1v1 ability but make sure that they are getting their heads up and looking for passes also. This game is more likely to be won but a couple of quick give and goes than it is by someone trying to go it alone.

Encourage them to use all the trick and skills they have, but to use them at the right time.

Encourage contact, especially from the players defending at the time. Don’t allow their opponents to turn, pressure them into going backwards and see how the deal with that pressure of being pushed back.

If you want to make the game easier, you could add 2 more small goals at the top so there is double the chance of scoring.

If you want to really challenge how they are thinking, allow teams to be able to score into either goal. This one really sets the cat amongst the pigeons at the start, but is brilliant at bringing on their awareness from an attacking and defending point of view.

Want more great Battle Drills ? Check this out !

It really is “All about the Plan”

Having and following a Training Plan make a huge difference to your players.

It allows them to take on the messages you are giving them so much better if drills are paired properly and repeated over a 6 week period.

Academy players follow a training plan, but those plans a built for Academy players to progress through the Academy system and done so they learn and take things on board. These plans are not what you need to follow.

Don’t follow generic plans. YOU KNOW YOU PLAYERS BETTER THAN ANYONE. Build them a plan that suits them.