Pressure over the ball and intercepts

Setup

1. Centre third. C holds the ball with WA and GA leading; c defends the ball, wd and gd mark the leads.
2. The attack needs 4 passes in a row for a point; the defence scores with a touch or a clean intercept.

How it runs

1. c lands at 0.9 m with arms over the ball, angled to cut the flat pass to the strongest lead.
2. gd shadows the lead on the line of the pass; wd sits half a step off to invite the lob, then attacks it.
3. On a turnover the defenders play out to the far transverse line within 2 passes, then reset.
4. Reps of 40 s with 40 s rest, 8 reps; rotate the three defenders every 2 reps.

Coaching points

• Over the ball: land at 0.9 m from the landing foot, arms up and angled at the attacker's best pass, weight back, not leaning in.
• Make them throw high: the higher and longer the pass, the more time the second defender has to read it.
• Intercept off one foot from a side-on start and take the ball in two hands at the top of the jump.
• If the intercept isn't on, recover goal side; never commit and give up a free run behind.

Common mistakes

• Defending closer than 0.9 m and giving away an obstruction penalty.
• Going for every ball and leaving the attacker free behind.
• Landing off balance after the intercept and stepping or losing the ball on the turn.