Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Rondo - Octagon Pressing Box

Screen 1

Set up as pictured. 

Pitch size will vary depending upon players available (6v6)

Practice will start with 1 blue player in the middle trying to win the ball back from the 6 reds.

The reds will complete 5 passes before scoring in any of the mini goals.

At that point the next ball will be served in by either of the coaches and another blue player will enter the pitch and press the reds.

This will be repeated until the players are playing 6v6.

As this session is framed as an out of possession practice the coaching detail will be provided as such.

The challenge for the team out of possession is to keep the score for the opposition as low as possible and work to a clock winning the ball back as fast as possible.

If the team out of possession win the ball back they have the decision to either try and score in the mini goals themselves and reduce the score, or put the ball out of play and keep the score the same. This will be their decision to make and should be encouraged where possible to try and retain possession and score. Risk and reward for this to happen, however if the team who win the ball back can complete the first pass in transition this will link to the Game Model.

After each block the teams will swap over and will compete against each other within each mini-blocks and scores will be kept throughout.

Coaching Points:

1. Try to set traps for the team in possession to play away from teammates and force mistakes

2. Timing and speed of press to win the ball back

3. Press intelligently and not chasing shadows of opposition 

4. Teamwork and communication skills to work in a unit

5. Transition: Can they complete the first pass and make quick decisions that will allow for success