Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Principles of pressing

pressing ssg (30 mins)

Organisation

Set up a pitch that suits the age and needs of your players. Split it into thirds and place a goal at each end.  

For this practice, we have a 6v6 – with each team having a goalkeeper, but  adapt the numbers to suit your

 players. .  

How to play

As with a standard game, both teams look to score as many goals as possible.  

To encourage high-pressing and a drive to regain possession quickly, offer the following incentive: if a team scores after winning the ball back in their attacking third, they're rewarded with three goals instead of one.  

Unlike a normal game though, there are no throw-ins or corners in this practice. So, if a player does kick the ball out, the game automatically restarts with their goalkeeper. They must then pass to one of their players in their own defensive third to try and build up an attack. However, this poses a risk, as their teammate could be under pressure by an opponent, who will be seeking to win the ball high up the pitch to get the reward of extra goals.  

If a goal is scored, play is restarted by that team's goalkeeper. So, if 'Team A' scores, they have to rush back to their own keeper to try to build up another attack, while 'Team B' pushes forward to close them down quickly.  

Progression

If your players master this game – or find it too hard – try adding a progression. Here are some examples.  

• The defending team can't try to win the ball back until the opposition enters the middle third. This helps players to work on the mid-block.  
• The defending team can't try to win the ball back until the opposition enters the final third This helps players to work on the low-block.  

Coaching Points:When to pressHave a plan to make play predictableBody shape to pressHow to approach to pressPress, cover and balance. do not retreat in a straight, go at an angle to block passing lane.

  

8v8 free game (30 mins)

Organisation:



The ball begins with the opposition White goalkeeper as the coach works with the team out of possession (Red Team).

The Red players out of possession look to recognise pressing cues and press from the front, in order to regain the ball as high up the field as possible and score on the opposition goal.

Use 8v8 with Goalkeepers and set up the Goalkeepers in their respective goals at each end of the field. Place outfield players in their positions.

Coach to allow the game to flow so that opportunities to press from the front, and in other areas of the field, occur in game-realistic situations. Coach to rotate roles of teams to work with all players.

Progressions:



• coach selects a team to work with (Red Team) and the opposition White Team have six balls to play out from the back, as the pressing Blue Team attempt to regain the ball and score from the six balls
• Rotate teams to allow the White Team to be the pressing team
• Keep scores to make it game realistic and competitive

Coaching Points:

 The press has to come from the front, with the nearest forward player (player 1) closing down the ball quickly, to place the opposition in situations where teammates can regain the ball and provide opportunities for the forward players to score on the counter-attack. 

Defenders need to have an intensity and strong mentality to press to win the ball. They should also take pride in their defending. 

When Defenders get up to the ball they must try to get to a distance that is touch tight (arm's length).