Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): High Pressing SSG

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Set Up: Set up as shown with 2 large goals facing each other, central area marked out, Mannequin on half way line out wide. 

Possession team set up: 3 Def in each end zone, with 2 WB & 1 central Midfielder who work both halves. Def team set up 2 sets of 3 Attackers to press in each half , 1 CM who works the CM of opposing team, GK in both goals. 

Format:  GK plays out to the back 3 or CM in front of them. The 3 blue attackers & CM start in the middle zone but release themselves to press high and prevent Reds playing out. 

Reds must try to play through or around the press into the opposite half. If they do so successfully, they must build again in the other half before looking to beat the press and transfer possession back through a different channel as marked out by areas on the halfway line. 

As soon Reds succeeds in transferring possession to the opposite half, the 3 blue pressing attackers return to the middle zone and rest. The previously resting front 3 then become active. 

Reds CM & number 10 marking them play in both halves. If the attackers press high successfully and win possession, they aim to score as quickly as possible.

Key Points Pressing Team.

Intensity of the press should be quick to prevent the player receiving getting their head up & seeing what their options are. Try to stop forward passing lanes opening up & force the press one way as a unit. Body shape, approach to press & communication is vital. 

The 9 should aim to set traps between the Reds CBs, preventing the player on the ball being able to switch & force play wide. Once the trap is set, they should put excessive pressure on the ball with a head-down press. 

The 7 should aim to do more than one job away from the ball, in a position to affect more than one outcome, with their body weight leaning forward so they are ready to hunt the wide centre-back whilst also preventing forward passing lanes into CM,

The 11 aims to show the full-back inside, so that if possession is turned over the attacking side are in good and effective positions to receive centrally and transition to create a GS opportunity quicker.

he 10 aims to remain ball-side and goal-side, ready to defend on the front foot and intercept if early enough, or pinch/spoil in between the legs of the pivot.

 MANAGING THE OPPOSITION 

Possession players should look away from the ball to recognise opportunities to switch play and keep it away from pressure. 

Width & depth to create as much space as possible. 

Firm and quick passing should be encouraged, to move the ball quickly. 

 Consider when to pass soft or set so teammates can pass forward or switch first time