Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Pressing from the front U12-U14s PDC

3v3 game AA (10 mins)

3v3 end zone games - Players in groups of 3 or 2 play against each other on pitches with end zones. Ball starts with a team in their end zone where they cannot be tackled, with aim of getting the ball into the opponents end zone by dribbling or passing to a team mate. 

If the ball is under control when the attacker dribbles or receives the ball in the end zone, the attacking team is awarded a point. Alternate teams so each time plays one another, each games lasts 3 minutes. 

Progressions:

- Initially when the ball is won in the end zone, it must be played out and played back in by the team in possession. 

- After 1-2 games, the team score a point if they steal the ball in the oppositions' end zone.

- Add offsides to add realism e.g. if you enter the endzone before the ball, offside.

Coaching points: Press; 4S's:

- Shut down; sprint towards attacker, consider curved run to begin showing away

- Slow down; broken arm's distance

- Sit down; feet in opposition, knees bent, arms by sides, elbows bent

-  Show down; Angle of approach during sprint, and body facing desired space to show attacker (e.g. to touchline nearest).

- poke tackle or sole role ball towards body to steel.

Main session (20 mins)

Organisation: the front three with 2 midfielders of a 1-4-3-3 (out of possession) pressing the back four of a 1-4-4-2 (in possession) with midfielders. 

Aim is to win the ball in the attacking third and try to score a goal. 

The goalkeeper passes or throws to one of the back four, initially the team out of possession (red) can not tackle (unbeknownst to the team in possession, white team) as they look to work on 4S's body shape, force an error and  intercept (5 - 10 minutes). After some success, allow tackling (full pressure) (10-15 minutes). 

Ensure there are plenty of footballs by the goals to ensure repetition, alternate goalkeepers so they get to experience in both scenarios. Rotate players between both sides to give players experience in different positions. 

Primary Player: Striker (9) 

Primary Unit: 9 and wingers (7,11)

Secondary unit: Midfield (8,10, goalkeeper acting as a defensive midfielder also)

Opposition management: Play out from the back a nd try and score. 

Progressions:

- Goalkeeper can play to midfield also. 

- Allow continuous play e.g. with throw ins, corners, if the whites have a chance go wide or over. 

- progress into a game. 

Scenario: The game is 2-0 to the white team , can the red team win the ball and score. 

Coaching points: 

Press: - Player nearest the ball, 4S's

Cover & Balance:the primary unit react to the ball being played to one of the back four and cover 2 nearest players to the ball (2 centre backs and nearest full back).

- 8 & 10 support the front three by either marking opposition midfield or blocking passing lanes

Delay: If the press is broken can the reds recover, nearest player presses and delays attack, looks to deny central space and funnel to touchline. Rest of the team covers and balance. 

Triggers: 

- pass to centre backs for example 9 presses the right centre back with a curved run towards the centre backs left to force him to play right and block passing lanes to left side or midfield. 

11 covers right back on their right side, 7 covers left centre back and also passing lane to left back & vice versa.

- pass to full back e.g. right back, 11 presses, curved run to right backs right, 9 blocks passing lane to right centre back, 7 blocks lane to left centre back and lane to left back.

8 & 10 supporting press just behind opposing midfielders to anticiapte interception and dictate where the ball goes e.g. switch, long pass to keeper (both scenarios), shuffle across if the ball is on the left or right, mindful of midfielders.

- to win the ball/ intercept if weak pass, back turned to attackers, poor touch lateral or straight pass . (backward or forward), steal (poke tackle) or intercept. 

Coaching position: On the sideline but a particular focus on the front 3, then to secondary unit.