Cross the River Passing

How to run the drill

1. 1Setup: mark a rectangle about 8 metres long and 6 metres wide. Mark a middle river zone about 3 metres deep with cones at its corners. Three attackers begin in the near end zone with a ball; two defenders start in the river.
2. 2Start: attackers pass to move the ball into the far end zone. Players without the ball may run through the river to offer a target. The player holding the ball may pivot but cannot dribble or travel.
3. 3Rules: defenders stay inside the river and try to touch or intercept the ball. Attackers may receive anywhere inside the rectangle. A defender's touch immediately ends that attempt, even if the attacker recovers the ball.
4. 4Scoring and reset: a controlled catch in the far end zone earns the attackers 1 point. A defensive touch, violation or ball out earns the defenders 1 point. Return all attackers and the ball to the near end zone after every attempt.
5. 5Rotation: play five attempts, then rotate two attackers into defense and both defenders into attack. Keep rotating until everyone has defended.
6. 6Progression: allow one dribble per catch or widen the river to help the defenders. Add a minimum of two passes before a scoring catch if attackers solve it too easily.

Coaching points

• Spread the two defenders before trying to cross
• Run into a passing lane with hands ready
• Pass into space your teammate can reach