Rest-Defence Game 8v8

Train rest defence: the positioning, communication and 1v1/2v2 defending of the players who stay behind the ball while their team attacks, so every turnover dies before it becomes a chance.

55x80 pitch with full goals and GKs, halfway line marked. Two teams of 8 (7 outfield + GK). Rule: when a team attacks in the opposition half, at least two of their outfield players must stay behind the halfway line as rest defence — name them each possession.

1. Normal game, but the team in possession must commit at least five players ahead of the ball when they enter the final third — bravery is forced.
2. The two rest defenders set their distances: one positions to engage the first pass after a turnover, the other covers in behind.
3. On any turnover, the counter is live: the rest defenders must delay, screen the forward pass and force play wide while teammates recover.
4. Score normally; a counter-goal conceded within 10 seconds of a turnover counts double against you.
5. If the rest defenders kill the counter (regain, foul-free delay until 4 recover, or force the ball out), their team gets a bonus point.
6. Rotate which players take the rest-defence role every 4 minutes — centre-backs, fullbacks and the pivot all need it.

• Rest defenders: position INSIDE the ball line — body open, seeing ball and runners.
• First job on turnover is delay, not the tackle — show the counter sideways.
• Talk early: one engages, one covers, never flat.
• Squeeze up with the attack — rest defence 10 yards behind the ball, not 40.

• Rest defenders stand square and flat so one pass beats both — stagger them, one engaging and one covering.
• They watch the attack instead of scanning for the opposition's outlet striker — defend the player, not the highlight.
• On turnover they dive into the first tackle and get bypassed — coach delay first, tackle only when cover arrives.

• Allow only one rest defender — pure 1v1 delay and recovery running behind him.
• Add a 6-second rule: if the counter is not killed in 6 seconds, the attacking team plays on with the overload.
• Restrict the countering team to 4 passes before they must shoot — sharpens the decision speed of the rest pair.

• Allow three rest defenders for a comfortable 3v2 on turnover.
• Countering team must take two touches each, slowing the break.
• Pause on the turnover, set the rest-defence picture, then play live.

• Minimum five attackers ahead of the ball in the final third.
• Counter-goals inside 10 seconds count double.