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Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Mid Block pressing triggers

Profile Summary

Abdullah Zaman
Name: Abdullah Zaman
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Membership: Adult Member
Sport: Football/Soccer
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Description

Session Focus: To coach the players to identify the key components of pressing from a mid-block.

Session Outcomes: To coach players to set traps, protecting the middle of the pitch and a high level of anticipation

1️⃣ The Fullback Trap (Main Trap)

You invite the pass to the opposition fullback, then press aggressively.

How the trap works:

CAM blocks pass into midfield →
Winger angles press inside →
Opposition plays to fullback →
Winger presses →
Fullback steps →
CDM covers inside.

So the ball is trapped near the sideline.

Why it works:

  • Touchline acts as an extra defender

  • Less passing options

  • Easier to win the ball

Your cue:

“Show outside!”

2️⃣ The Backwards Pass Trap

When the ball goes backwards, the whole team steps forward together.

Example:

CB → CB
CB → GK
Fullback → CB

Now your team pushes up and presses.

Why:

  • Players receiving backwards often face their own goal

  • Poor body shape

  • Slower decision making

Cue:

“Back pass — GO!”

3️⃣ The Bad Touch Trap

If a player takes a heavy touch, press immediately.

Cue:

“Bad touch — press!”

What Your Players Should Understand

You are not chasing the ball.

You are guiding the opponent into the trap.

Tell them:

“We decide where they play.”


Your Main Coaching Message Tonight

Just repeat this:

“Show outside, trap wide, press together.”

That keeps the whole structure organised

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Pressing small size

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Pressing small size
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Pressing small size (15 mins)

Pressing triggers


Format: Possession team look to complete 3 passes in their zone before transferring ball into opposite end zone. Defenders decide on how many players press & how many remain & block forward passes. Once ball transferred middle defenders press opposite end & move back central.

If defenders win ball they attempt to score & rotate with losing atatckers.

Key points: SETTING TRAPS• The out-of-possession team should attempt to set traps for their opponents to play into. These traps should be set in the outside channels, with the aim of locking play out wide. • After directing play wide, the pressing team can either press aggressively or attempt to force predictable passes for the players in the middle zone to intercept.

FAST FORWARD RUNS• Protecting the middle of the pitch is essential when attempting to set a trap. The defending unit needs to maintain short distances between one another in order to prevent split passes breaking lines. • Although remaining compact is crucial, the defensive unit also needs to understand that when they become too compact, it becomes easy for their opponents to play around them and progress in wide areas. 

ANTICIPATION• A high level of anticipation is key throughout. Players should attempt to read triggers as to where their opponent will pass next. • Players should aim to remain one step ahead of the player in possession to win the ball back through tackles or interceptions.

 COVER• The players who are not putting direct pressure on the player in possession should provide cover. • To do this, they should be in a position that allows them to press the opponent in possession if their teammate is beaten with a dribble. • Covering players should also be in a position that allows them to intercept forward passes from the opposition

Team 1: Seb, Charlie, Lawrence, Sankara, Anas H

Team 2: Anas, Elliot, Kacper, Robert, Raine

Team 3: David, Ashton, Rasul, Shak, Mateo

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Phase of play

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Phase of play
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Phase of play (25 mins)

Phase of Play – Mid Block & Pressing Triggers (4-2-3-1)

Organisation
Half pitch. The attacking team build play from the middle third and attempt to progress into the attacking third to score. The defending team set up in their 4-2-3-1 mid-block shape and aim to control central spaces while forcing play into wide areas. The practice begins with a pass from the coach into the attacking team in the middle zone. When the ball goes out of play, the coach restarts the practice to maintain tempo.

Win the ball in a wide area you get 1 point. AIM TO get ball into goal. Other team will switch after

Task
The attacking team attempt to progress through the thirds and create scoring opportunities. The defending team aim to remain compact, protect the central areas, and set pressing traps in wide channels. When the ball is played wide or a pressing trigger occurs, the defending team press aggressively to regain possession. If the defending team win the ball, they attempt to score quickly to simulate transition moments.

Key Coaching Points

Setting Traps

The defending team should look to guide play into the outside channels where pressing traps can be created. Once play is forced wide, defenders can press aggressively or force predictable passes which allow central players to intercept.

Protecting the Middle

Maintaining compact distances between players is crucial to prevent passes breaking through central areas. The midfield unit must protect the space between the lines while still being aware of wide threats.

Anticipation

Players should constantly read cues from the opposition such as body shape, first touch, or passing angles to anticipate where the ball will travel next and step in to intercept or tackle.

Cover

When one player presses, teammates must provide cover behind and around the ball to prevent dribbles or forward passes breaking the defensive structure


Individual Player Focus (5 Players)

CDM – Kacper

Focus on protecting the space in front of the centre backs by screening forward passes into the striker and deciding when to step forward to press or hold position.

CDM – Charlie/ Seb

Maintain compact distances with the other midfielder, provide cover behind the first pressing line, and be ready to intercept passes played through central areas.

CAM – Elliot

Screen the opposition pivot and guide play into wide areas by positioning your body to block central passing lanes.

RW – Juan / Shakyrius

Press the full back aggressively when the ball is played wide while forcing play towards the touchline and preventing passes back inside.

LW – David / Ashton (or whoever plays LW)

Set the pressing trap by forcing play wide and supporting the central midfielders by recovering quickly if the ball is played inside.

Coaching Detail (What You’re Looking For)

• Compact distances between the double pivot
• Wingers forcing play towards the sideline
• CAM blocking central build-up
• Midfielders anticipating interceptions
• Team pressing on triggers

Team1 

Raine, Rob, Lala, Mateo, Kacper, Seb, Elliot, David

Team 2

Sankara, Charlie, Anas H , Ashton, Anas, Rasul, Shak

Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Pressing triggers conditioned game

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Football/Soccer Session Plan Drill (Colour): Pressing triggers conditioned game
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Pressing triggers conditioned game (25 mins)

Conditioned Game: Pressing Triggers Game

Setup

Half pitch
Play 8v8 including GKs (or whatever numbers you have left).

Both teams in 4-2-3-1 shapes if possible.

Rules (Conditions)

1️⃣ Wide Press Bonus

If a team wins the ball in wide areas, they get 3 points if they score.

This encourages:

  • setting wide traps

  • pressing fullbacks

2️⃣ Central Protection Rule

If a team wins the ball in the central zone, they get 2 points if they score.

Encourages:

  • CDMs screening passes

  • protecting the middle

3️⃣ Quick Transition

If the defending team wins the ball and scores within 6 seconds, goal counts double.

Encourages:

  • aggressive pressing

  • fast counter attacks

Coaching Points (Don’t Overcoach)

Focus on:

• Show play outside
• Press together
• Protect the middle
• Compact distances

What You Should Watch

Especially:

  • Wingers pressing wide

  • CDM staying disciplined

  • Fullbacks squeezing up

  • CBs holding the line


 Make fair teams

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