Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Pressing and forcing errors

Pressing and forcing errors - Animation (20 mins)

Instructions:

• 3 Zones on a field 50x35yds (age dependent). End zones smaller than middle third. 2 Gks act as starters and bounce options for possession team in build up. 2v1 in final zones, 3v3 in middle zone with 2 additional free players touchline wide in mid zone.

• Objective of the game is to create a moment where it is an opportunity to press heavily in the oppositions build up zone and recover the ball high up the field.

• Team in possession can support with additional 1 player in each zone.

• Ball can only be passed from zone to zone, no dribble.

• If defending team win possession they advance towards any 2 wide goals

Progressions:

• Use a wide player in each team and add them to middle zone to create a 4v4 that presents new moves and actions

• #6s maximum 2 touches - Encourages quick movement of the ball which is difficult for defenders to adjust

• Ball must go through #9 before scoring. Encourages support play and more game like situations in attack and attacking transition

Attacking Coaching Points:

• 3 Midfielders play narrow to try and free up options to wide players which will stretch defending mid 3. They must now solve the problems of defending space and opposition players

• Move the ball quickly and do not let the opponents settle

Defending Coaching Points:

• #9 Must cut off one half the field by angling run to make attacker pass forward rather than side or back. Do not over commit, not a press but a light ‘shaping’

• #6 Begins deeper to avoid #8, #10 being split. As opposition #6 shows for the ball high pressure must be applied. Other defending midfielders must narrow to avoid split and force ball wide (don’t retreat deep - just narrow). Shape body facing away from goal to where opposition likely to take up positions. #4,5 narrow in to put pressure on opp #9 should a penetrating pass get through.

• If #6 bounces pass to opp #4 that is the cue for the #8 to apply press. If the quality of the pass from #6 is excellent then NO PRESS as they will have more time to find a solution - use judgement. As #8 applies press, #5 steps up to cover opp #10. #9 maintains the cover from middle and can even apply further pressure if it looks like opp #4 is in trouble. Win when opportunity presents itself.