Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Academy Session: Defensive Principles - Pressing

Exercise 2

Organization/Objective

Age: U9-U17

Dimensions: 20x30

Work: 4min | Rest: 2min | Sets: 4 | Total: 24min

4 Defenders begin in a 5x5 box centrally. Play begins from the GK, who passes to one of the attacking players on their half of the field. 2 defenders can apply pressure and try and win possession. If successful all 4 reds can join the attack. If the attacking team advances the ball to the other half with a pass then play continues with the 2 defenders inside the central box and the working players drop back into the box. 

Red score in the goal. Must score within 3 seconds. 

1 points = Winning possession 

1 point = score

Blue score by completing 8 passes and gain an extra point if they advance the ball across the halfway line. 

Coaching Points

Technical

1. Body shape on approach high speed towards the ball initially, slow down on approach, and get low down on arrival.

2. Short steps on approach for body control.

3. Encourage the defender to position themselves an arm’s length away from the ball when defending, and to try to force the attacker to the desired trap. 

Tactical

1. Deny central penetration.

2. Eliminate space and cut angles of the ball carrier.

3. The second defender should take up a position that means they can cover if their teammate is beaten, or step out to another opponent if a pass is made to pressure. 

Progression

PRG  - Extra point for the attacking team if they play through the central box. 

Exercise 4

Organization/Objective

Age: U11-U17

Dimensions: 65x52

Work: 4min | Rest: 2min | Sets: 3 | Total: 18min

3 zone - 3-2-1 points 

9v9 or desired numbers. 3 zones, if you win the ball in the highest zone and score = 3 pts. Middle zone = 2 pts. Defending Zone = 1pt. (Can add 4pts if you build from the keeper without losing the ball.) Players are free to move between zones.

Coaching Points

Technical

1. Read the ball carrier and arrive when the ball does.
2. Angle of approach and quick to eliminate the space. Read the dangers around you. 

3. Win possession and connect pass to maintain or punish.

Tactical

1. Deny penetration.

2. Eliminate space and cover passing lanes for the ball carrier.

3. Reduce the space between their defensive lines.

4. The deepest players should recognize that pushing up increases the pressure on the ball and adjust their back-line accordingly.

Progression

PRG 1 - 2 touches must play forward. 

PRG 2 - Passes between 2 players in the attacking half centrally is a point.