Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Academy U18 - Week 2 Practice 2 Part 2

Team Organization

Role of the #11 and/or #7

As the ball is played to the outside back the #9 continues to pressure and force the play wide, and screening any pass back to the center backs. After the #9 initiates the press....

Role of the #11 (and/or #7)

The #11 bends a pressuring run and forces the player with the ball back inside toward the #9. It is vital that the #11 is aware of any outside player, and pressures inside from an angle that screens any outlet pass to that outside player.

This pressure forces the back into the midfield where there is more traffic/players/opportunity to win the ball. This also forces the play towards the goal. In many cases you are also forcing that outside back onto their weaker foot.

Role of the #7 (and/or #11)

The #7 moves inside to screen any opportunity of a switch in play to the opposite back, either directly or through a combination if the back with the ball breaks the initial press.

Role of the #3, #5, #4, #2

As the midfielders join in the press...

Role of the Back 4

The back 4 must stay connected to the midfield and compact the field. The backs should stay tight to any high players and be ready to intercept a pass, challenge, or apply immediate pressure should the press get broke.

Since the backs can see everything in front of them, communicating to the other players in volved in the press is very important. I usually demand one of my center backs to head the communication, but all backs should be vocal with instruction.

At this point your #1 (Goal Keeper) should be stepping forward, looking to quickly get to any ball played over the back four.