Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Phases of Play

Pressing

Setting a Press

When the oppossing team has the ball in their defensive 1/3 (our attacking 1/3), it is crucial for all 8 field players to set an organized press in order to delay or deny advancement of the ball.

#9 and #11 must step and become 1st and 2nd defender (Pressure / Cover)

#10, 6, and 8 get marked up in the midfield in order to deny any penetrating passes forward

#2 steps to attacker in order to deny any pass up the sideline

#5 gives us depth

#3 pinches in and keeps ball and widest player "in the vision of his hips"

Key Points

- Must apply pressure to the ball as soon as our possession is lost (transition to defend)

- Finding marks in the midfield (Communicate, move your feet, do not assume someone else will do it)

- Back 3 defenders must stay organized and press to any forwards

Counter Attacking

Counter Attacking

Once we have won possession, it is key that each player group(defenders, midfielders, forwards) step up the field in an organized block.

#2, 5, 3 step our back line in order to create a higher offiside line

#10, 8, 6 find their shape (triangle) and create support for any ball movement

#9, 11 should be making dynamic runs in order to get their defensive players shifting (1 checks in, 1 checks out)

Key Points

- Penetrate open space (pass, dribble, shoot, run)

- Step iwith your block (ESPECIALLY OUR BACK 3)

- Find the receiving lines (do not just look to play forward, but to create passing opportunities of support)