Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): NJ07S Week 7.1 (Defending)

Passing & Pressing

Organization:

8-12 players, 1 ball, 10x10 or 12x12 area, 4 cones.

Instructions:

1st player starts with the ball and is pressed by player on opposite cone. Player with the ball passes to player to his right and moves to the left. Repeat so that the ball is moving to the right, passer moves to the left and each player receiving is pressed.

Coaching Points:

Press the ball quickly - When the ball is played into the player make sure the defender is sprinting out to close the space. It is important that the defender slows down when approaching the player with the ball.

Read the triggers & cues - Players should always be ready and aware of when the opposition player is receiving the ball so they can press. Triggers will be when the player who is passing the ball opens their body to make the pass, and when the player who is passing the ball puts their head down to make the pass.

Move as the ball travels - As the ball is played into the opposition player, it is important that the defender movers as the ball travels and is already pressing. Do not wait until the opposition have secured possession before pressing.

Progressions:

Allow players to pass either way

1v1v1v1 (20 mins)

Organization:

2 teams setup as a shown

Instructions:

Players are limited to their zone, Blue is looking to score in any of the pugg goals

Defending Red team looks to win ball and play into one of the targets;

-if the ball is played into the targets the players that were targets are now the attacking team (black)

-the team that was attacking (blue) is now defending

Coaching Points/Questions:

-Recognize the moment to begin to press the player on ball; "What is the cue for us to begin to press the player in possession of the ball? Where do we want to begin to force the ball towards?"

-Recognition when their teammate is too high, and there is no cover/support; "What do we have to take into consideration when

Regressions/Progressions: