Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): 4-3-3 - Midfield Pressing - Where and When

4-3-3 - MF 3 Pressing Work (30 mins)

Defending - 4-3-3 - The Midfield Press (Middle Zone Press)

7 v 6 + 1 GK's = 14 players

Red Team set up - 3 CM's and 3 CF's (coaching)

Blue Team set up - GK, Back 4 and 3 CM's

* Initially opposition GK plays a pass out to CB's or FB's.

* This can progress to target player / coach playing a long ball to Blue Team Back 4.

* 9, 11 & 7 drop into "midfield press zone" initially inviting play on to them but should press the FB immediately on their first touch or as the FB carries the ball forward.

* FB getting the ball is the trigger to press. Area identified by retreat poles for 3 CF's.

* 10, 6 & 8 drop into "midfield press zone" as this is where we want our MF to win the ball back and then exploit the space in behind the opposition (counter attack) Invite the opposition into the "midfield press zone" then press.

* We want Red MF 3 to retain position in MF press zone and win the ball in this area.

* Important Red MF 3 are aware of opposition MF starting positions and limit space and time they may have on the ball.

* Keep a compact and narrow shape.

* E.G if Red 8 goes to press left sides Blue MF its important Red 10 & 6 shuffle over as appropriate to apply more pressure but also keep in mind movement of Blue MF.

* When Red Team win the ball back they have 10 seconds to try and score. Function then restarts.

* Red Team MF 3 have maximum 3 touches to encourage moving the ball quickly.

* Blue team looking to score in the 2 small goals or play through the Blue MF into the Green Target player.

Defending Key Points

- Apply pressure to the opposition - Who, When, Where, How

- Who, when and where is pressure, cover and balance applied

- How are pressure, cover and balance provided to direct play or prevent penetration

- Side on Approach - Dont get caught flat

- Compact and Narrow Unit shape

- Show Inside/Outside

- Communication

- Angles and Distances of support

- Decision Making

- Tracking Runners

- Recovery Runs