Goal-Side Recovery

Objective

Sprint back to a goal-side position when caught out of shape.

Equipment

• Ball
• Cones

Instructions

1. 1

   Defender starts 5 yards ahead of the attacker (wrong side). Ball is played in behind.

2. 2

   Defender must sprint to get goal-side before the attacker can shoot.

3. 3

   Once goal-side, transition into a jockey.

4. 4

   8 reps from each side.

Coaching Points

• ✓ Sprint at full pace — jogging back is useless.
• ✓ Take the shortest route goal-side, not straight back.
• ✓ Once goal-side, slow immediately and get side-on.

Variations

• → Give the defender a 2-yard head start to make recovery achievable for younger players.