Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Pressing

Tactical/Technical

Organizational / Instructions - 20x20 number 1s pressing cutting the passing lanes showing them inside not allowing them to play forward, 6 passes are played then switched to the other side where number 2s will lead the press while number 1s are now shadowing the movement of the lead press, working for (45 seconds) before switching out with the outside passing players.

Coaching Points - stay light footed, press side on so your able to change position quickly, cover passing space with positioning, make the opposition pass in the direction you want, squeeze the pitch, capitalise on opposition error, high intensity, communication.

Progressions - 2 pressers are active and can now intercept an attempted pass, they cannot tackle. The passers have 4 optional passes which are marked numbers (1&2 on the image) 6 passes is the max limitation of passes allowed before a forced switch of play has to be made to one of the 4 outfield players. If the pressers are successful in intercepting a pass they can score in to the mini goals. The opposition can try prevent them scoring. If the switch of play is successful the pressing players keep trying to intercept on the other side while number 2s turn around and stay behind the middle cone and mirror what they where doing previously.

Conditoned game

Organizational / Instructions - 20x60 8v8, Pressing team vs attacking team, A point is scored if they can force a back pass to the goalkeeper, 2 points for winning the ball and 3 point if they can win the ball and score from an attack. If the opposition score 2 points are deducted. Get high and squeeze the pitch, midfielders high in the middle zone or just in the attacking zone and defenders should be pushed up into the middle zone but if the press is beat look for a transition in to defence dropping back quickly to delay attacking play of the opposition.

Coaching Points - Stay focused , cut passing lanes, side on, high intensity, communication, anticipate body movement and passes, defenders get into middle zone & midfielders push up even allow 1 midfielder in the top zone for 3 pressing the ball, quick transition to defence if the press is beat, cover ground quickly and delay the opposition attack.