Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Pressing SSG

Pressing (10 mins)

6 vs 6 game with the pitch split into thirds.

Organisation:

The pitch size is 40 x 30 yards with 2 goals either side. The pitch is split into thirds with 6 players on each side (two goalkeepers)

Equipment:

- 10 balls (ball nests) 

- Cones 

- Bibs (2 different colours) 

- 2 goals

Aims: 

Pressure the player in possession as quickly as possible, stay compact when pressing, and block/restrict opponent's options.

Description:

Normal 6 vs 6 game, however, there are no corners or kick offs. Play can only be restarted from a goal kick. Both teams are trying to score to win the game.

Coaching Points:

- Triggers

- Quick, slow, low

- Compact/reduce space

- Gegenpressing

Opponent challenges:

- Can you be less compact and increase the width when in possession to make it harder for opponent's to press

- In what ways can you counteract a pressing team? 

- Try to play forward as quickly as possible, using combination plays in the middle and final third 

Target: Win the ball in the opposition half or, even better, in the final third and then score a goal. 

Target: When losing possession of the ball, win the ball back as a team within 3 seconds (gegenpressing).

Condition: Both teams behind the retreat line to start with.

Condition: Remove previous condition, all players must be in the attacking half for the goal to count (progression)

Challenge: When winning the ball back in the opposition half, can you score a goal in 5 seconds?

Interventions:

- Try to use CTC as mentioned with both the teams and individuals where needed.

- Fly-by: quick sharp points and to provide praise where needed.

- Drive-by: provide individuals with a target/challenge and give technical detail if needed.

- Coaching process: to address coaching points mentioned at the start based on observation. Work through the principles of play for defending. Make sure that all players are involved within the coaching process and know their roles. 

Game Scenario:

Real Madrid 3 vs 1 Liverpool 

Last 5 minutes of the game, allow both teams to have a quick discussion about how they are going to win the game. Discuss with Liverpool the coaching points mentioned at the start. 

Relevant Reading:

Liverpool's System - "Apart from the two full-backs, nearly all the players concentrate their efforts into the central area - as if we extended the outside lines of the penalty boxes from end to end. At first, it seems quite easy to coach against it. But the Liverpool system allows them to press very easily with their three forwards." (David Moyes, cited in UEFA Technical Report, 2018)

"The season's statistics reveal that just over 50% of goals were scored as a result of ball-winning in the attacking third, whereas only 12% resulted from regains in the defensive third." (UEFA, 2018). This is shifting momentum away from the trend to build from the back e.g. Barcelona and Manchester City.

"The best moment to win the ball is immediately after your team just lost it. The opponent is still looking for orientation where to pass the ball. He will have taken his eyes off the game to make his tackle or interception and he will have expanded energy. Both make him vulnerable." (Klopp, cited in The Guardian, 2015).

Liverpool are the best defensive team in the Premier League 2018/19 so far. (Premier League, 2019).