Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Pressure/Cover Practice

Pressure/Cover Uncontested

Players will be in groups of 3. There will be 12 small squares beside each other each 4 yards by 4 yards. 2 rows of players will be playing with each other.

To start with the ball will be in the players hands, passing and catching. Red players are passing to just the red players in their line. When a red player catches the ball, the closest blue player will apply "pressure" without leaving their small grid. The other 2 players will support the player applying pressure on an angle. Once the defender are in position, the red players will pass to another player in their group. This will occur for a few minutes, then the blue team will get the ball and the red players will defend.

Progression:

- Team with the ball are now passing the ball on the group.

Coaching Points:

- Closest player applies pressure

- Supporting players are on an angle to the pressuring player

- Quickly apply pressure on the ball

SSG with Line of Retreat

Field is 30 yards wide and 40 yards long. The thirds of the field are marked out, the lines are used as a retreat line. When the goalie has the ball, the defending team must retreat behind the line, once the ball is played from the keeper, the defending team can enter that third and the game is line.

No corners, when the ball goes out the end, regardless of who touched it last, it starts from the keeper.

Coaching Points:

- Closest player applies pressure

- Ensure their is supporting players for the player applying pressure

- Angled run to apply pressure