Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Team Training- Press phase- Pressing in a 4-3-3

Screen 1 (30 mins)

Press Phase - Pressing in a 4-3-3 

3 Blocks of 5 minutes 

Block 1 (5 mins)

Setup:

• Blues: 4-3-3 (coaching focus) – No wingers
• Reds: 4-4-2 – No full-backs, one CB removed
• Assistant coach to maintain a high press, forcing play wide
• Reds must score within 8 seconds upon regaining possession

Structure:

• 3 x 6-minute blocks
• 90-second intervals

Instructions:

• GK plays to LCB, who then plays to LB.
• This pass triggers the LCM to push wide to the touchline, stretching the game.
• RCM stays high, creating space for the CDM to receive facing forward.
• 9 occupies the CB, remaining in the opposition half.
• RB advances to provide width, overlapping if space allows. If the red LM stays wide, RB can move inside to create a midfield overload.
• CDM exploits available space, engaging a defender to create an overload beyond the halfway line.

What If?

• If the opposition RW blocks the pass to the CDM? → LB plays down the line to the striker.
• If the red CM presses high on the CDM? → LB plays directly into the 9’s feet.

Objectives:

• Midfielders receiving on the half-turn to play forward
• Creating overloads in key areas
• Playing through the thirds efficiently

Coaching Points:

• Rotations & movement
• Recognizing & reacting to triggers
• Receiving skills & body positioning
• Weight and accuracy of passes
• Decision-making: play through, around, or over
• Quick transition into defensive shape

Block 2 (5 mins)

• GK plays to LCB, who plays to LB.
• This pass triggers RCM to rotate inside.
• CDM drops deeper while staying open to the ball.
• LCM rotates wider toward the touchline.
• 9 continues to occupy the CB in the opposition half.
• RCM, now in the CDM role, receives and plays forward.

What If?

• If the blue CM jumps onto the RCM? → Recycle possession, switch play, and find the CDM, who has shifted right to receive.

Block 3 (5 mins)

• GK plays to LCB.
• LCB plays a 1-2 with LB before switching to RCB.
• This triggers RB to push high, dragging the opposition winger toward the halfway line.
• CDM drops into the false full-back (FFB) position to receive facing forward.
• RCM rotates into the 10 space, pulling the red LCM away.
• LCM stays deep for defensive balance and transition preparation.

FFB Attacking Options:

• If both opposition strikers block the CBs from passing into the CDM? → CBs shift wider, creating space for CDM to drop deeper beyond the strikers and receive.