Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): SMALL SIDED GAME - DEFENDING - Pressing as a team

SSG (25 mins)

Oragnisation/Setup

• 30 x 30m pitch (36x36m if regression needed)
• One goal at each end
• 12 [players; split into two teams; bibbed up (or 10 with 2 GK if present)

• Ball to start with goalkeeper each time; and first pass is free 
  
• First pass is free to encourage GK distribution; and recognition of pressing trigegrs (player's first touch, weak foot; area of the pitch; proximity to other players)
• Defending team can shadow players but not make a challenge or attempt to recover the ball until first touch by receiver is taken
• Game is then 'live'
• Aim is for defending team to press as a unit and recover the ball as quickly as possible; if within 5 seconds, they gain a point. Aim for team in possession is to retain it; and if they keep it beyond first 5 seconds, they gain a point
• After the first 5 seconds; free play as normal
• Each time a ball goes out - could re start with GK or from sidelines; but first pass to remain free
• First ten/fifteen minutes to keep with these conditions; then allow free play for the remainder
• *LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE MECHANICS, REVIEW TRIGGERS AND INTERVENE INDIVIDUALLY/AS A GROUP*