Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Pressing

Description

1. Warm-Up (15 minutes)

Objective: Activate muscles and prepare mentally for intensive pressing exercises.

• Dynamic Stretching (5 mins): Include leg swings, arm circles, and neck mobility exercises.

• Light Jogging and Footwork Drills (10 mins): Incorporate agility ladders and short sprints to increase heart rate and prepare for high-intensity activities.

2. Technical Drills: Pressing Basics (15 minutes)

Objective: Introduce basic pressing concepts and individual responsibilities.

• Pressing Triggers (5 mins): Explain key triggers that initiate a press, such as a backward pass or a receiving player looking down.

• Shadow Play (10 mins): Players work in groups of three. Two players pass the ball while the third practices initiating a press based on triggers. Rotate roles every 2 minutes.

3. Small Group Tactics: Pressing in Groups (20 minutes)

Objective: Develop understanding and execution of group pressing tactics.

• Rondos (4v2) (10 mins): In a 10x10 yard area, four players attempt to keep possession against two pressing players. Focus on quick, aggressive pressing and immediate transition after winning the ball.

• Pressing in Threes (10 mins): Set up a 20x20 yard area. Groups of three work together to win the ball back from another group of three. Emphasize communication, covering angles, and teamwork.

4. Phase Play: Implementing Pressing in a Match Scenario (20 minutes)

Objective: Apply pressing tactics in a more realistic game environment.

• Half-Pitch Game (20 mins): Utilize half the pitch with goals at each end. Play a 9v9 game focusing on team pressing. The assistant coach pauses play to discuss positioning and decision-making as needed.