Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Pressing high up the field (Forcing Play Outside)

Orientation Phase

Activity Description: In this activity we have the Orientation team the reds #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #8, #10 vs the Learning Team the blues #6, #8, #10, #7, #9, #11. The orientation team is looking to score on the two counter goals while the learning team is looking to score on the big goal. 

Orientation Phase: (15 minutes or however long it takes to bring out the problem)

In the orientation phase, we are working with the possession team who are looking to build out and score on the counter goals. Encourage the team in possession to get spread and to move the ball to the free player on the field. To really bring out the problem encourage switching the ball from one side of the field to the other. 

Guided Questions: 

What is the first thing we want to do on the build-out? Spread out 

When the number six gets on the ball who can we create a 2v1 with? The fullbacks 

Why do we switch the point of the attack? To find the free man on the field

Learning Phase

Activity Description: In this activity we have the Orientation team the reds #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #8, #10 vs the Learning Team the blues #6, #8, #10, #7, #9, #11. The orientation team is looking to score on the two counter goals while the learning team is looking to score on the big goal.

Learning Phase 35 Minutes:

In the learning phase, we are working with the pressing team (The Blues). We want to start the press after the goalie passes the ball from the goalie to the center back. As the ball travels to the center back the striker can begin their press. The striker needs to cut the field off by showing the in possession centerback to the outside of the field. As we force play wide the rest of the team needs to shift across to cut the playing area in half. Using the sideline as an extra defender and everyone shifting to one side of the field makes play very predictable. 

Guided Questions: 

Who should press the center back if we want to force play outside? The striker

How should the striker press? By curving their runs so the center back is forced to play wide

What must the rest of the team do as the ball goes wide? Shift to cut the field in half

Implementation Phase

Implementation Phase (20 Minutes)

In the implementation phase, we are looking to see if we can use what we just learned in a game. When either team is defending in the final third can they try and win the ball back high up the field? Can they do it by forcing play outside? Can they then force play to the sideline to use it as an extra defender as well as shift as a team to cut the field in half and make play predictable?