Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Pressing in a 4-3-3 formation

4-3-3 - Front 3 Pressing Work (30 mins)

Defending - 4-3-3 - Front 3 Where & When to press

7 v 6 + 1 GK's = 14 players

Red Team set up - 3 CM's and 3 CF's (coaching)

Blue Team set up - GK, Back 4 and 3 CM's

* Initially opposition GK plays a pass out to CB's or FB's.

* This can progress to target player / coach playing a long ball to Blue Team Back 4.

* 9, 11 & 7 drop into "midfield press zone" initially inviting play on to them but should press the FB immediately on their first touch or as the FB carries the ball forward.

* FB getting the ball is the trigger to press. Area identified by retreat poles for 3 CF's.

* Important 3 CF's drop back as quickly as possible in straight lines to either the retreat poles or 10 yards depending on how play develops infront of them.

* 10, 6 & 8 drop into "midfield press zone" as this is where we want our MF to win the ball back and then exploit the space in behind the opposition (counter attack) Invite the opposition into the "midfield press zone" then press.

* When Red 9 looks to press / engage shape of run is an arch therefore sending the CB out wide to either side or FB.

* When Red 7 & 11 look to press / engage the Blue FB's should immediately cut off the ball down the line and try to force them inside where we have players to join the press.

* Important to be compact - e.g if Red 7 presses the Blue FB 9 must shuffle over but also Red 11 must tuck in narrow - limiting the space for the Blue team to play accross the back line and force them to going long

* When Red Team win the ball back they have 10 seconds to try and score. Function then restarts.

* Red Team MF 3 have maximum 3 touches to encourage moving the ball quickly.

* Blue team looking to score in the 2 small goals or play through the Blue MF into the Green Target player.

Defending Key Points

- Apply pressure to the opposition - Who, When, Where, How

- Who, when and where is pressure, cover and balance applied

- How are pressure, cover and balance provided to direct play or prevent penetration

- Side on Approach - Dont get caught flat

- Compact and Narrow Unit shape

- Show Inside/Outside

- Communication

- Angles and Distances of support

- Decision Making

- Tracking Runners

- Recovery Runs