Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Pressing Attacking to Middle 3rd

Warm up (10 mins)

Organization:

Players work in groups of three

Markers are set up to define midfield shape - Triangle with one holding player

Instructions:

The coach passes a ball to one of the three players

The receiving player step up and passes the ball back to the coach

The other two players move to take up defensive shape

Coaching Points:

1. Distance between the three players should remain compact throughout

2. Movements should be made quickly to deny space between players

3. When the central player steps out the outside players should fall back and in

4. Communication between players - pressure, cover, balance

5. Correct form as the player completes the SAQ section of the exercise

Progressions:

To begin the exercise the passes from the coach are made in sequence - as the exercise progresses the passes from the coach become more random

Phase Play

Organization

Navy- 1-4-3-3

White- 3-3-3

Instructions:

Navy are looking to play into their 3 attackers in the blue zoned area. White is looking to win the ball and go to goal immediately. Only white forwards are allowed within the retention line, once the ball crosses the retention line, white is instructed to press immediately

Coaching Points:

-Reading of the visual cues on when to press vs drop

-Pressure on the ball, once the ball crosses the retention line looking to press with numbers to win the ball back immediately.

-Compactness from the defending team

-Communication from the defending team to clarify roles and responsibilities

-Committment to winning the ball

Progressions: