Mirror Monster Press

🖼️ Visual Guide

🎯 Objectives

• •Close down quickly, then slow down to defend in a balanced stance.
• •Stay between the attacker and the dangerous space or goal.
• •Be patient and wait for the attacker to make a bigger touch before tackling.

🎒 Equipment Needed

1 ball per channel, cones for lanes or gates, bibs for attackers and defenders, and 1-2 mini goals or scoring gates. Keep extra balls beside the area so restarts stay fast.

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📐 Setup

Create a narrow channel with a scoring gate or mini goal at one end. Attackers start with the ball and defenders start a few steps away so they can close down under control. Use clear rules, plenty of repetitions, and simple competition so players learn technique without long waits.

📋 How to Run It

1. 1Set up a 14x18 yard channel with one small gate or goal for the attacker to reach.
2. 2Explain that defenders must stop the attack by matching the attacker's movement and staying low.
3. 3On the coach's signal, the defender closes down with quick steps and then slows into a low, balanced stance.
4. 4The attacker tries to dribble through the gate while the defender stays goal side and guides play away from danger.
5. 5Rotate roles often so every player attacks and defends many times.

💡 Coaching Tips

• •Coach the defender's speed on the approach: fast to close, slow to defend.
• •Keep the defender low with side-on body shape instead of square and flat-footed.
• •Praise defenders who stay in front, even if they do not win the ball right away.
• •Short channels produce more successful repetitions than very long races.

🔄 Variations

• •Easier: shorten the attacker start or make the channel narrower.
• •Harder: widen the channel, give the attacker a head start, or add a counter gate after the win.
• •Story twist: every strong stop saves the castle, bridge, or city gate.