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Recovery Run and Block

Recover from behind an attacker and get goal-side in time to block the shot.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Start 3 yards behind your partner, who dribbles at goal from 30 yards.

Core: Medium. Beat your own count of recoveries.

Ages
14 and up
Time
12 min
Players
You and a partner
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Soccer ball, partner, goal
Level · skill
Advanced · Defending

The steps

How it works

  1. Start 3 yards behind your partner, who dribbles at goal from 30 yards.
  2. Sprint to get between them and the goal.
  3. Turn side-on and block or force them wide.
  4. Do 8 reps each with full rest.

Coaching point

Run to the goal side first, the ball second.

Safety: Stay on your feet; no tackles from behind.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Recover relay: a partner dribbles a short distance ahead, and you turn, run and get goal-side to close the shooting lane. Swap.

Challenge

Levels: Less (a big lead), Core (medium), More (a small lead). Beat your own count of recoveries.

Story

You are a superhero flying back to save the day just in time.

My best

Beat your own count

Beat your own count of recoveries. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

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