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LOGINSmall-sided game: Pressed into action
Apply pressure, regain possession and then use the ball in this session. Use this session as a standalone activity, or combine it with two progressions to create a full session
WHY USE IT
Allows teams to work on their pressing structure in a realistic game with constraints.
SET UP
Use the same area as before. Add a middle line to form six boxes as reference points for players. Divide them into two teams – we have shown 7v7+1, including goalkeepers, but this can be adjusted depending on numbers.
HOW TO PLAY
Two teams play a normal game, except all restarts are from the goalkeeper. Boxes are reference points for players to encourage pressing shape. However, constraints can be added, such as:
- Each team nominates a box they want to press in. If they successfully press and win the ball in that box, they win a point;
- If the defending team wins the ball from a press and score, they win three points; 3. The neutral player can be ‘magic’ – so must be passed to before they can score.
Progression: Remove boxes and allow players to play without intervention.
COACHING POINTS
- Encourage the defensive team to limit the possession team to one half, using lines as references.
- Encourage pressing cues, e.g. ball played from outside in; poor first touch; player facing wrong way; more than two passes in one square.
- When we win the ball, can we counter quickly?
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Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
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