Coach Assist : Drills

DRILL

Outside the Octogon

Purpose
Players must work into positions where the become a realistic handball option.
Focus
Skills under pressure, Decision Making
Skills
Handballing

7 players per group that start on the perimeter of an out-of-bounds 4-8m octagon facing inwards. 4 attackers v 3 defenders.
Players from attacking team must share the ball around with a handball. Once an attacker with the ball is tagged by their opponent, they must immediately dispose of it, as per a tackle. Tackling is optional, if you wish to reduce impact, defenders can apply legal physical pressure to force a turnover (e.g. push in the side, bump/block a player).

Attacking team can run anywhere OUTSIDE the octagon, and will need changes of direction to find space.

Ball may cross over the octagon in flight

Coach must play umpire and call holding the ball if not released immediately after a tag
Swap attackers with defenders after 1 minute.
As a progression, move the cones further out to turn it into a short kick and apply normal marking rules.