Warm-up: Pressed into action

WHY USE IT

This combines a technical passing warm-up with movements from the defence that scaffolds the learning of the next phase.

SET UP

Divide the area into thirds, with the size relative to the age and ability of your players. Split players into three groups.

HOW TO PLAY

Two Blue teams keep possession from the Reds. The Blues look to make at least three passes before transferring the ball across to the other Blue team. The ball must be played below waist height. In this warm-up, the Reds apply passive pressure only (no tackling). Only one  Red can enter the end zone at a time. Encourage the players to change if the ball gets switched (closest Red player comes in to apply pressure, the other drops back into the middle zone). Switch teams in the middle after two minutes. The Blues get a point for every successful transfer; the Reds get a point if they intercept the pass.

Progression: Two Reds can enter the end zone (still only passive pressure).

COACHING POINTS

• Encourage the Reds to communicate who goes in to press, with the remaining Reds forming defensive cover. 
• Blues should shift the ball quickly to unbalance the Reds, in order to transfer the ball.