Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): ASE G00 Emerald - Out of possession - small group defending

Pressing Technique (20 mins)

Setup:

4 poles/cones as shown, about 10 yards between poles

Equal number of players on each pole

Activity:

At each pole, the player will pass to the right and then move to the on the left (get used to moving away from ball).

As ball travels, player opposite receiver will close down and apply pressure (no tackling)

Coaching Points:

+ Travel as ball is traveling

+ Break down and shape pressure

+ 2nd player in line (support) give "advice", such as "push right, push left"

+ Be balanced with most weight on front foot

Progression:

+ Pass left and move right

+ Pass either direction - would-be defender needs to read cues of pressure to antipicate when to go

2v2 Games with finishing (30 mins)

Setup:

20x20 grids setup as shown in center and out wide

2 teams

1 GK

Activity:

Ball starts centrally and is played into zone:

1) #9 checks in front of 2 CB to receive ball. #8 passes and joins play to try to get out of zone and score on big goal.

2) #7 receives ball. #2 Makes forward run. Defensive team's #11 makes recovery run as players play 2v2 out wide.

Coaching Points:

Center channel:

+ pressure/cover - don't chase ball - drop off

+ Push player into support or use sideline as another defender

Wide channel:

+ Delay until support arrives

+ Push attacker into recovering defender

+ If possible, recovering defender applies pressure

Progression:

+ combine grids and play 4v4 to goal

7v7 Half field game (30 mins)

Setup:

Half field as shown with gates

Activity:

Defending team trying to win ball and score by getting ball into targets/gates.

Attacking team scores in big goal.

If player in target gets ball, switch to other target and then play long ball over the top. Defenders need to push out to offside line.

Coaching Points:

+ Read cues - long ball over top means drop off