Pressing to dictate

WHY USE IT

This practice works on the ability of an attacking three to press from the front and force the play in a particular direction.

SET UP

Set up with the area divided into thirds, with a wide channel on each side. The attacking three set up against a back three and a goalkeeper. If you have enough players, target players can be added for the defence to play into.

HOW TO PLAY

Defenders must split as if about to receive from a goal kick. Play starts with the goalkeeper, who passes out to one of the wide defenders. Work with the front three to press and close off passing lanes, forcing the defence to play down the line. If the attackers win possession, they can look to score.

COACHING POINTS

• Encourage players to press as a unit, working together to force the defenders to play down the line, by the angle of their approach and cutting off the passing lanes back to the goalkeeper, across to the centre-back or into the centre midfielder.