DRILL
Breakaway Defenders
  • Purpose
    There are times when it's appropriate to grant defenders the freedom to run off their opponent to provide an attacking option upfield...although in a game situation, there must some cover for the opponents left behind. This drill teaches defenders to run the lines to become a loose option, and requires accurate finishing after hard gut running.
  • Focus
    Hard Running, Front & Square, Run & Carry, Forward line delivery
  • Skills
    Kicking, Handballing
  • 18+
    Players

  • 13+
    Ages

  • 2
    Balls

  • 10
    Cones

  • 160
    Distance

  • 0
    Opp Strip

  • Pairs form at stations (A) and (E). Singles line up behind six cones in the centre, facing the wing.
  • (A1) starts with the football with partner (A2) in the goalsquare. (A2) breaks towards the pocket and (A1) kicks short to them.
  • (A2) covers some ground before kicking to (B) leading from the centre. (C) gets front and square to (B), (D) covers the back.
  • (B) marks and both (C) and (D) share the football if possible with hands.
  • Meanwhile both (A1) and (A2) have put themselves in the contest by sprinting upfield after their kick.
  • (C) or (D) handball infield to whoever is in best position of (A1) and (A2), and this player steadies before kicking to a leading (E1).
  • (E1) backpedals after marking or taking control of the football. The drill now repeats up the other side of the ground following a break by (E2) to the opposite pocket.
    (A)'s join station (E).
    (B) (C) (D) rotate through those 3 stations
  • After 7 minutes, rotate (A)s with left (B C D), and (E)s with right (B C D).
    Optionally you may reverse the direction of flow around the ground as well.

Gather Give Bump

GROUPS OF
AGES 13+

Kick & Follow-up Hands

PLAYERS 16+
AGES 11+

Help After Poor Disposal

PLAYERS 20+
AGES 13+