Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Improve Your Team's Ability to Pressure the Ball High Up the Field

Dynamic Warm-Up (15 mins)

1. Simple dynamic passing and movement to begin in groups of three. Start with unlimited touches, and progress to two-touch and one touch.

2. Progress to longer range passing and driven passes.

3. Now begin to focus on 1 v. 1 defending. Player that passes the ball will follow pass and shadow receiving player. Focus on side-on stance and good 1 v. 1 defending mechanics.

4. Now add second defender and focus on 2 v. 1 techniques. Players work together to show defender into 2 v. 1 situation.

ESSG - Phase of Play (25 mins)

1. Phase of play progresses to half of the field with the attacking team looking to score in either of the wide counter goals. Defending team will take up position respective to the line of confrontation just outside of the 18-yard box. They are looking for cues to press high up the field and win the ball. Once the ball has been won, they look to attack the big goal.

2. Focus will be on the two forwards working together to funnel play toward the sideline and remove options for the Red backline while in possession of ball. Blue midfielders pinch inside to allow Red defenders option of playing wide. Once the ball, as been played wide, then Blue looks for cues to press high and get 2 v. 1 sitations.

3. While we are looking to press high, we need to stay compact and not simply chase the ball. Reading the cues of when to press and communicating will be key to success. If we cannot find 2 v. 1s, then we stay compact and wait for the next pass.