Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Pressing from the middle third to the attacking third

Introduction (15 mins)

Organization:

- 30x20 yard grid, or adjust as necessary.

- 4 teams of 3 players.

- Set up as shown.

Instructions:

- 2 teams compete on each half of the grid, set up in a 3v1 rondo. Each team sends a defender to the other side of the grid and defender has to recover ball and pass to players in the middle (third team), who feed the ball back. Once defender recovers ball, he/she goes back to their grid, tags teammate and teammate goes to opposite grid to try to get the ball back. Team to use all its players as defenders through a rotation wins game.

- Winning team takes a break, team in the middle goes in.

Coaching Points/Questions:

- Can we run as fast as possible to put immediate pressure on player with ball?

- Can we approach player on ball with aggressiveness?

- Can we get a touch on each tackle?

Regressions/Progressions:

- Combine two teams and make 5v1 on each grid.

- Send 2 defenders.

Conditioned Game (15 mins)

Organization:

- Same grid as prior activity.

- 8v4.

Instructions:

- 8v4. 2 teams play together, when defending team steals the ball, tries to score on mini goals. Each team defends at least once for 90 seconds and rotate.

Coaching Points/Questions:

- Can we be aggressive with our run towards the ball?

- Can we call 'ball' as we lead the press? Can teammates follow?