Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Press from front Technical

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Set up: Area and organise 4 goals with two goals on the outside of either end of the area. 2 teams, with each team split into 2 lines between both goals. Have  player from each team stand on the opposite side, between the two goals. In this practice, attackers receive the ball from the coach who passes the ball to them. Attackers must look to score themselves (1 point) or by playing into their target player and then score (2 points). If the attackers score, they leave the pitch and then are replaced by the next two attackers. If the defenders win possession of the ball, they must look to score the opposite goals themselves or play into their target player.

Coaching Points:

Communication: Each of the defenders will need to communicate between themselves to help them to work together to press and win possession back, as well as prevent the opposition players from scoring and playing through.

1 v 1 Defending: Defenders should look to defend side-on with a low body position to help them to move their feet when defending 1v1. Defenders should look to force the attackers away from the goal where possible.

Transition: As soon as the ball goes out of play, both the attackers and defenders need to react quickly and enter the pitch. Once possession has been lost or won they will need to be ready for the next activity whether it’s to defend or start an attack.

Awareness: With and without the ball, players must search for teammates, opposition players, and space. Without the ball, players should move to support their teammates to help them press and win possession of the ball. With the ball, encourage players to provide support for the player in possession of the ball through their movement.