Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Technical - Principles of Pressing, Cover and Balance

Screen 1

14 - 16 players (split into 2 groups)

2 v 2 (+ 2/3 Bounce Pass Options). Offside Rule is in play

Simple drill, attackers start with the ball and look to work together to get beyond the defenders, enter the area and score a goal.  They have two bounce pass player options on the outside of the playing area who they can use to play the ball to - the players on the outside cannot be tackled by the defenders.

Defenders:

- Can they focus on not getting caught square either vertically or horizontally

- Can they protect their half of the pitch

- Can they trust their team mate to do 'their job'

- Defender closest the ball applies pressure, 2nd Defender provides cover, close enough and with right amount of depth so attacker cannot play a penetrative pass between the 2 

Defenders, close enough so that if Attacker beats first Defender they can get across, but correct distance so that if the ball gets played across, they can then apply pressure to the 2nd Attacker.  

- If ball does get played to 2nd Attacker, the Defensive Pressure and Cover roles reverse.

Scoring:

If Defenders stop Attackers scoring in 15 Seconds -  score 1 point for Delaying as in matchday scenarios this will allow the team to recover/re-organise

If Defenders win the ball but not cleanly - score 2 points

If Defenders successfully win the ball and play into a 'Bounce Pass' option either via the Goalkeeper or direct - score 3 points

Interventions:

Attackers have 15 seconds to score a goal.  Don't want the drill to become a keep ball exercise with the 2 Attackers and 2 Wall Pass options.

Screen 3

14 - 16 players (rotate players so everyone has plenty of goes)

4 v 4 (+ 4 Bounce Pass Options). Offside Rule is in play

Continuation of previous drills but more game realistic. Attackers start with the ball and look to work together to get beyond the defenders, enter the area and score a goal.  They have four bounce pass player options on the outside of the playing area who they can use to play the ball to - the players on the outside cannot be tackled by the defenders.

Defenders:

Effectively a 'Back 4'

- Can they focus on not getting caught square either vertically or horizontally so Attackers are able to penetrate

- Can they trust their team mate to do 'their job'

- Defender closest to the ball applies pressure, side on and low, ready to take action or adjust

- 2nd Defender provides cover, close enough and with right amount of depth so Attacker cannot play a penetrative pass between the 2 Defenders, close enough so that if Attacker beats first Defender they can get across, but correct distance so that if the ball gets played across, they can then apply pressure to the 2nd Attacker.  

- 3rd and 4th Defenders provide the balance

- Defenders furthest from the ball need to be disciplined.  Don't get attracted to the ball so much so, you leave the far side of the pitch exposed, but equally don't get too close to the Attacker you're covering as this may allow the Attackers to penetrate in behind.  

- When the ball is on either wing, the Defenders furthest from the ball do not need to concern themselves with the Attacking wide players until the ball goes across to them, then they need to work quickly and hard to get across and apply Pressure, Cover and Balance.

- All 4 Defenders need to 'stay connected'

- They need to communicate effectively

- They need to 'hold the line' and avoid 'diving in' at the wrong time.

Scoring:

If Defenders stop Attackers scoring in 15 Seconds -  score 1 point for delaying as in matchday scenarios this will allow the team to recover/re-organise

If Defenders win the ball but not cleanly - score 2 points

If Defenders successfully win the ball and play into a 'Bounce Pass' option either via the Goalkeeper or direct - score 3 points

Interventions:

Attackers have 15 seconds to score a goal.  Don't want the drill to become a keep ball exercise with the 2 Attackers and 2 Wall Pass options.

Principles of Play: Press, Cover, Balance, Compactness, Control and Restraint

Technical Principles: Pressing, Marking, Covering, Challenging, Intercepting

Key Capabilities: Scanning, Positioning, Technique, Movement, Timing 

Technical: Body Shape, Positioning, Movement 

Physical: Work Rate, Speed to press and and cover the space if ball gets switched.  

Psychological: A desire to not get beat, a desire to stay disciplined 'in shape' and 'connected to team mates', decision making

Social: Team work, communication