Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Team Training- Press phase- Pressing withe a Dimond

Screen 1 (25 mins)

Pressing Phase- Pressing with Dimond

Block 1 (5 mins)

Reds (Coaching Team): 4-4-2 Diamond (No Fullbacks)
Blues: 4-3-3 (No Wingers)
Format: 3 x 6-minute blocks with 90-second intervals
Area: ⅓ to ¾ Pitch

Blue Team Objective: Build up from the back, progressing beyond the halfway line to score. The striker must remain in the opposition's half.

Red Team Objective: Win possession and score within 10 seconds.

Setup: Frame session on the board for both teams. The red team receives tactical details before play begins.

In Possession (Blue Team):

• Maintain ball speed

• Play forward when possible

• Switch play effectively

Defensive Transition (Red Team):

• Counter-press immediately or delay and retreat

Problem 1: Ball Played into Opposition Fullback

Solution:

• Wide midfielder starts in a wider position, anticipating the pass early and showing the player down the line.

• Two strikers stay high to prevent the ball from being played back to the center-backs.

• Red #10 remains goal-side and tight to the opposition's CDM.

• Red CDM shifts across to cover the nearest CM.

• Opposite CM stays inside but close to their direct opponent.

• RCB anticipates the ball into the striker and prepares to engage.

• LCB positions body open, ready to intercept or challenge the ball down the line.

• Leave the far-side player unmarked.

Block 2 (5 mins)

Problem 2: Fullback is Marked, Blue LCB Plays a Diagonal Ball to the Blue RB

Solution:

• Red #10 makes a recovery run to press the fullback, with the rest of the team shifting across.

What if the Blue RB is too high for the #10 to cover the distance?

• Red LCM steps up to apply pressure on the ball.

• Red CDM moves over to track the Blue RCM.

• Red RCM drops deeper to cover the CDM position.

• Red #10 adjusts to a deeper role to help reorganize the defensive shape.

Block 3 (5 mins)

Problem 3: Blue Team Drops Deep and Stretches the Red Defensive Shape, Playing Over the Top to the #9

Solution:

• Maintain a 2v1 at the back, with one CB stepping slightly ahead to block passes into feet while the other covers the space in behind.

What if the Ball is Played into the #9, Who Then Releases a Winger?

• Nearest CB steps up to press if the blue player is beyond midfielders, delaying if possible.

• LCB stays tight to the #9 while also monitoring any late runs from the Blue RCM.

• CDM recovers in a straight line to impact the #9, LCM, and RCM.

• LCM works to get goal-side and inside of the opposition RCM.

• RCM gets goal-side of the Blue LCM, potentially doubling up on the Blue LB to maintain defensive balance.

• Red #10 drops onto the Blue LCM if the RCM is forced to cover the Blue LB, while one striker tracks back onto the Blue CDM.