Press with aggression

WHY USE IT

Helps players to work on their pressing on both an individual and a team level.

SET UP

Mark out an area relative to the age and ability of your players. Add a halfway line and a goal at each end. Play 6v6, including a goalkeeper on each team.

HOW TO PLAY

The practice begins with one of the goalkeepers. The team in possession attempts to score in their opponents’ goal to gain a point while the defending team tries to win the ball back and score. Teams also get a point if they dribble or pass the ball across the halfway line. This forces the defending team to press aggressively. If players are playing the ball over the halfway line too often, in a way that is detrimental to the session, you can limit the points to one per possession phase.

Coaching points

• Sprint while the pass is travelling to intercept.
• Position yourself between opposition players.
• Aim to coordinate the press with your teammates.