Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): High Press or drop of 4v4 game

Screen 1

Set up: 40 x 20 area with two goals on the pitch, 3v3 plus goalkeepers. Each time the team in possession has a goal kick in their half, the opposition must retreat into their own half. Once the team in possession of ball has played their first pass, the defending team can decide whether to stay in their half or go press to win ball back. 

Progressions
Instead of a retreat line, the defending team can move wherever they wish from goal kicks throughout the game.

Attacking team must make a certain number of passes in their half before they can progress into the attacking half.

Coaching Points

Movement/Pressing: Once the ball is brought into the pitch the opposition this is the trigger for the defenders to be able to press collectively Encourage the defending team to work between them on communicating who will press and who will support i.e. once player closes the ball down the other supports at an angle behind them. Players should look to keep 8-10 yards between them to have small distances between the units to prevent the attacking team from being able to beat the press.

Body Shape: Once the players find themselves in a 1v1 situation, they should look to force the attacker the way that they wish for them to go. On their approach, players should look to angle their body shape and run to force the attacker the way that they want them to go. Examples of where they may them could be: forcing them onto their weaker foot, outside of the pitch or into their team mate that is supporting. Players should look to get on the outside of the ball and be side on to help them show them the way they wish to send them.

Use of Body: Players should look to use their body to help them to force the attacker back or away from the direction that they’re trying to move into. Defenders can use their nearest arm and hip to the attacker to apply pressure as they try to win the ball back and come away from the ball. Players should look to use their body once they’re able to win the ball back.

Communication: As defenders put pressure onto the ball, they should look to communicate with one another to help them on how they will press as well where they should look to show the attack. For example players may need to communicate on whether they need to press or drop and/or force the play outside or inside.