Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Press, Cover , Balance / Play Through the lines

Setup

• Setup:

  • Create a grid that is 15 yards long and 5 yards wide.
  • Place 4 defenders inside the grid.
  • Position players on the outside of the grid.

• Objective:

  • The players on the outside aim to pass the ball between the lines (i.e., between the defenders).

• Press:

  • The closest defender to the ball becomes the “pressing” defender.
  • The pressing defender should move quickly to close down the player with the ball.
  • The pressing defender also needs to jockey (move sideways) to block 2 of the passing lanes.

• Cover:

  • The second defender closest to the ball becomes the “supporting” defender and proi.
  • The supporting defender covers and supports the pressing defender.
  • They close off any open passing lanes that the pressing defender cannot cover.
• Balance:
  • The remaining defenders offer balance , block off the remaining passing lanes.

This method encourages quick decision-making, communication, and defensive coordination. It’s a great way to work on defensive positioning and teamwork. Remember to rotate roles so that everyone gets a chance to practice both defending and attacking. ⚽

Coaching Points: Press and Cover Drill for defenders to defend as a team

Reset

Method: When the ball transisitons to opposing team, the defenders reset : Pressure , Cover , Balance.

Coaching Points: Ensure the defending line doest drop to deep

Play Through the Lines 2

Play Through the lines 2

Coach Releases ball into Zone 1

1 Player from Zone 2 enters Zone 1 ( 4 v 1 Rondo)

Players in Zone 1 must may 3 passes before playing the ball through the lines

Players in Zone 2 Pressure Cover Balance

If players in Zone 2 intercept the ball , players in Zone 1 swap with players in Zone 2

Coach resets by sending ball into Zone 3

Game

7 v7 or 9 v 9 Game

End session with game.

Coaching Points

Focus on Pressure Cover Balance

Playing through the lines