Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Soft press (squeeze the middle)

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Set up

6 v 3 game, pitch size 25m x 15m (flex if needs to if the 3 aren't able to achieve sufficient success) with mini goals

Pitch divided into thirds, of the team of 6, 3 players must remain at each end of the pitch with the only exception being that if a player is successfully able to dribble through on their own (& then must return to their nominated zone once out of possession)

Play always starts with the black team in possession, with the ball needing to transfer to the opposite end in order a goal can be scored.

Green team cannot press the ball in end thirds when black team has controlled possesion (can press hard for uncontrolled possession or loose ball)

Coaching points

There are a number of coaching points that can be emphasised in this practice, however in this instances the focus is on the out of possession team (OOP) (the greens) and developing a "soft press" approach - the idea of this being to not consume energy and risk running out of steam by aggressively pressing the ball in all areas to regain possession. Instead, greens will be happy to concede possession in the opposing teams defensive area

OOP should adopt a 2-1 formation so as to create a front line of 2 pressers and a rear player to occupy the channel in between

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Coaching points

Although not the target focus of the session, but the in possession team need to adopt quick decision makig to exploit gaps and improve chances of successfully playing through the middle.

Should also be sharp in possession and, whilst looking for creative opportunity these need to be quickly thought & smarly executed with possession not being conceded softly

OOP can press agressively where they sense possession isn't controlled and then revert to formation quickly if necessary.