close
LOGINPractice 2: Freedom of the press
This session promotes proactive closing down to win possession. Use this session as a standalone activity, or combine it with two progressions to create a full session
WHY USE IT
This practice provides the players with the challenge of knowing when to press and who should do it, with the aim of preventing the opposition from playing forward.
SET UP
Use a rectangular area split into thirds. Divide the players into three teams, with each team locked into a third. At each end of the area are two small goals.
HOW TO PLAY
The teams in the end thirds look to transfer the ball between them by playing through the central third. Doing this earns the team that played the pass a point. The team in the central third aim to try and win the ball. They are allowed to send one player at a time into the third where the ball is located. If they win possession, they win a point and swap with the team that lost the ball. They gain a bonus point if they can play the ball into one of the small goals at the end of the area where the team that lost possession is situated.
Coaching points
Which defender should enter the area and press? When a player in the area plays to a team-mate, should a different defender enter and press? How can the defenders in the central help stop the opposition from playing through them?
Related Files
Soccer Coach Weekly
Latest Issue
Subscribe Today
Soccer Drills
Subscriber Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Subscribe Today
Coaches Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Latest Issue
Soccer Drills
Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful soccer coach
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
*includes 3 coaching manuals
Get Weekly Inspiration
All the latest techniques and approaches
Soccer Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use soccer drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of soccer coaching since we launched in 2007, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
