Clear and Step

Teach a back four to clear, then step up as one line on the first defender's call, so the team gains 20 yards and the attackers are caught behind the line.

Full goal and keeper. Back four in the box. A wide server on each sideline with balls. Three attackers in the box, two more waiting on the edge. A cone line 18 yards out marks the step target.

1. A server crosses. The back four deals with it: header or clearance.
2. The moment the ball is cleared, the nearest center back shouts 'Step!' and the line sprints up together to the cone line.
3. The edge attackers try to play the cleared ball back into the box with one touch. Any attacker still inside the line when the ball is played is offside.
4. Score: back four gets 1 point for a clearance, 2 if they step and catch an attacker offside. Attackers get 2 for a goal from the second ball.
5. Alternate servers, 10 crosses per set, two sets, then rotate defenders.

• Clear it high and wide, then go.
• One voice calls 'Step', everybody moves.
• Step in a straight line; a bent line catches nobody.
• Keeper: move up with the line to close the space behind.

• The line steps at three different speeds and attackers stay onside behind the slowest defender; step on the call, not on your own read.
• Defenders admire the clearance and forget to step; the clearance is the start of the next action, not the end of this one.
• The step is so late the second ball is already in; call 'Step' the moment the ball leaves the defender's foot.

• Edge attackers may take two touches, making the timing of the step harder.
• Add a midfielder who must win the second ball if the step is late.
• Servers alternate crosses with cutbacks so the line must read which.

• Servers throw the ball in by hand.
• Remove the offside rule and score only for stepping to the cone line together.
• Play with a back three and two attackers.

• The back line must step to the cone line within 3 seconds of a clearance or the attackers get a free shot.