2v2 Box Defending and Attacking – High Intensity
The objective of this competitive drill is to improve box defending, attacking runs into the penalty area, and finishing, while also developing football-specific conditioning.
Accurately delivered crosses are also a key focus of the exercise.
Organisation
Set up an area approximately 32–35 meters wide by 40–45 meters long.
Mark two wide zones on each flank as shown in the diagram. In these zones there are four crossing positions in which the players are placed with balls as well.
For optimal execution, the drill requires a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 20 players. The demonstration described involves 16 players.
The exercise can be adapted for a different number of players, but in that case, organizational adjustments must be made accordingly.
Each of the two teams has 8 players, positioned as shown in the diagram: 2-2 players in front of the goal (positions B and E) and 2-2 players in the crossing zones (positions A and D). The team starting in attack places the first player from position 'A' on the field (currently the red team).
Changes follow a pre-defined pattern, which must be clearly explained for the players before starting the exercise.
A minimum of two goalkeepers should be involved in the drill.
Description and Graphics
The exercise is essentially carried out in a wave-like format. The first player enters unopposed and attempts to score from a cross delivered by their teammate.
As soon as the finishing attempt is made, the opposing player starts from beside the goal and sprints toward the opposite goal to receive a cross and try to score, while the initial attacker transitions into a defender and tries to stop them. This creates a 1v1 situation.
Following this action, a teammate joins the initial attacker to create a 2v1 attacking scenario toward the opposite goal. Then, a new player from the opposing team enters to complete the final 2v2 situation.
After each sequence, the player who has been on the field the longest leaves the pitch and is replaced by a new teammate.
Each player participates twice in an attacking role and twice in a defending role—always entering the game as an attacker and finishing as a defender.
- Load: 6-10 minutes, which depends on the age group.
- Series: 3-4
- Rest: 1-2 minutes between the series.

Coaching points

Set up

Equipment

Free Trial
GET YOUR FREE 14 - DAYS TRIAL NOW! INCLUDING:


