Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Counter-pressing 2

Presing rondo15 mins

Topic

• Counter-pressing

Principle

• Reaction to losing possession

Time

• 4 blocks, each lasting until one team reaches 40 passes

Players

• 14

Space/equipment

• 30m x 25m/Balls, bibs, flat markers

Description

• This rondo involves 14 players divided into two teams of seven. All seven players on the in-possession team play in one half, as shown. Three players from the defending team are tasked with pressing them.
• Teams are asked to keep possession in this 7v3, aiming to be the first team to complete 40 passes. The pass tally increases every time a pass is completed; it does not return to zero if possession is lost.
• The three pressing players are tasked with disrupting possession and winning the ball. If they do, play shifts to the opposite half and they become the possession team with a 7v3 overload.
• A serving coach should be on hand to feed a new ball into the other half for the new possession team to start accumulating passes towards their own target of 40.
• The practice supports four working blocks, with the final two blocks supporting a progression.

Progressions

• Progress so that, if the pressing players win possession, they should try to transfer the ball to the other half. If they do this successfully, their score tally will jump by 10 passes.
• This will trigger the opposing team to counter-press quickly, to prevent it from happening.

Coaching points

• Quick reactions: Players should react quickly to giving the ball away, applying fast pressure on the ball to regain possession as quickly as possible.
• Combining quickly: Players should look to make quick combinations in possession, using a maximum of two touches to keep the ball moving and reinforce ball speed.
• Taking care: Players should be asked to take care of passes and produce quality in possession. A pass with poor detail may result in a domino effect and the sequence breaking down.
• Attracting pressure: Challenge the players on their confidence to stay on the ball and attract pressure. Successfully playing through the initial press will result in combining quickly within other areas.
• Securing possession: The coach should place a high importance on players showing composure upon regaining the ball. Choosing the right action and showing quality within this moment will help secure possession.
• Communication: The three pressing players must communicate with each other to organise an appropriate press. A disjointed press will present the opposition with options to keep the ball for longer spells.

Transition breakout game20 mins

Topic

• Counter-pressing

Principle

• Reaction to losing possession

Time

• 3 x 6-minute blocks

Players

• 16, including 1 goalkeeper

Space/equipment

• 50m x 40m/Balls, bibs, flat markers, 3 mini-goals and 1 main goal

Description

• This practice involves 15 players plus one goalkeeper. It takes place in a playing area measuring 50m by 40m, with one full-sized goal and three mini-goals.
• A team of six players is positioned in a possession box within the playing area, along with three pressing players from the opposing team.
• Phase one sees the coach play into this team, who are challenged to complete six passes before they can begin phase two.
• Once they have completed six passes, three players from this team can break out of the possession area and attack the main goal. Two players from the opposing team will defend against the three breakout players.
• If the defending team manages to win possession during either phase, they will look to combine, 9v6, and complete six passes before attempting to score in either a mini-goal or the main goal. They will also receive a ball from the goalkeeper or coach if the attacking team fails to score by missing the target.
• If the attacking team loses possession, they must look to counter-press immediately.
• Every goal scored in a mini-goal is worth one point, while every goal scored in the main goal is three points.
• Play for three six-minute blocks.
• The coach should restart the practice at their discretion, with players from the team of nine swapping roles and responsibilities after each cycle.

Coaching points

• Blocking passing lanes: If a turnover happens within the possession area, it is important that players react quickly and block off any passing options to the outside area. Applying quick pressure and recognising who is behind them will help players to achieve this.
• Setting traps: With it being a large area, the defending team must be organised when pressing and attempt to set traps. Allowing a pass or two may turn out to be a positive action, knowing the team is ready to press aggressively after these passes are completed.
• Staying connected: During the breakout second phase of play, the remaining players should be organised and ready to counter-press upon any transition. This means staying connected to the attacking three, minimising distances the opposition would have to play between the lines of pressure.
• Exploring options: In attacking transition, players must scan and recognise their options if they were to receive the ball. Having an early picture in this way can create scoring opportunities in any of the goals.