Objective

Find and use the spare player: scan early, support the ball at angles, and play through the Magic Player to make it 5v4 before you score. Out of possession, screen the pass into them, stay compact, and win it back quickly.

Set up

A 25 by 20 yard box. 4v4 inside, plus one neutral Magic Player (in a third colour, the keeper kit here) who always joins whichever team has the ball. A small goal, a 2-yard cone gate, at each end. 9 players, no keepers. The Magic Player cannot be tackled and cannot score; they are just a free passing option for the team in possession. You must play the ball through the Magic Player at least once in the move before you are allowed to score.

Coaching points

• Scan before you receive, so you already know where the Magic Player and the space are.
• Support the ball carrier at an angle, not flat, so there is always a forward and a backward option.
• Use the Magic Player to tilt it 5v4: get the ball into them, then play off them quickly, one and two touch.
• Keep the Magic Player free by moving the ball; the quicker you switch it, the harder they are to mark out.
• Defending, you cannot tackle them, so screen the pass into them, stay compact, and press hard to win it back.

Progressions

• Start with free scoring, then add the 'must use the Magic Player before you score' rule once the players are keeping it.
• Limit the Magic Player to two touches, then one touch, so the ball keeps moving.
• A goal counts double if the Magic Player plays the final pass.
• Add a second small goal at each end to make the players switch play and use the whole width.
• Play to a set number of passes for a point instead of goals if you want pure possession.