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What this session is about

Pressing the ball to win back possession.
Defending in pairs.

What to think about

Apply pressure quickly – win the ball back as quickly as possible.
The nearest player applies pressure while the second player provides cover.
Intercept the ball wherever possible.
The body position of the pressing player – side on body, slightly crouched and balanced.
Encourage clear communication.

Set-up

Create a playing area approximately 10 yards by 30 yards, split into three zones.
Use nine forwards – place three forwards with a ball in each zone.
Have two defenders.

Warm up	Session	Development	Game Situation	Warm Down
5-10 minutes	15 minutes	15 minutes	15 minutes	5-10 minutes

What you get your players to do

Each trio of forwards, limited to two-touches, begin passing the ball within their group with the intention of keeping possession.

Starting at one end of the playing area, the defenders, working as a pair, enter each zone to try and win the ball.

If they lose possession, the attackers retrieve the ball and continue passing after the defenders have moved on.

Once they have won possession in all three zones, the defenders sprint around the outside of the playing area and start again in the opposite direction.

After two rounds, swap two attacking players for the defenders.

Two defenders enter the first zone to win the ball. When successful, they move on to the next.

Development

Allow the forward players unlimited touches.
Increase the width of the playing areas.

Related Files

Core-098-pressure-points.pdfPDF, 239 KB

After the defenders have won possession of the last ball, they run around the playing area and start again in the opposite direction.

Game situation

Play 4v4 plus 2 goalkeepers. Condition the game so the goalkeepers can only roll the ball out. Award bonus points for teams winning the ball back early in their opponent’s defensive half.

In a small-sided game, teams get a point if they win the ball in their opponent’s defensive half.

What to call out

“Work as a team” “Intercept the ball if you can” “Opponents don’t like facing pressure”

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Step up to win the ball

Encourages players to push out of defence to claim possession of the ball before it reaches dangerous areas.

Small-sided game: Individual possession

Develop young players’ confidence in staying on the ball in this practice. Use this session as a standalone activity, or combine it with ...

Practice 1: Winning the ball

Three-part session to master the ‘four S’s’ of defending – sprint, slow down, side-on, steal.

Practice 3: Winning the ball

Three-part session to master the ‘four S’s’ of defending – sprint, slow down, side-on, steal.

Coaches Testimonials

Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club

"I have been coaching competitive soccer for over 20 years in Las Vegas. I feel like you are my personal club director. My players and myself have learned a lot from your sessions. The exercises from Soccer Coach Weekly are easy to understand and implement. I never run out of ideas and there is always an exercise for whatever problem we need to fix. Thank you!"

Paul Butler, Florida, USA

"First and foremost, Soccer Coach Weekly is truly unique and exceptional for its clarity and for explaining the "why?", in addition to the "how?". Soccer Coach Weekly is also professionally managed - any issues, which are infrequent, are resolved in an expedient and courteous manner. I place Soccer Coach Weekly at the top of my recommendation list for any new or seasoned coach of the beautiful game."

Rick Shields, Springboro, USA

"I coach both young club players as well as players at the High School level and both genders. The talent range is wide at times, however with the use of Soccer Coach Weekly I am able to apply the information to all talent levels and player ages and make the session fun and challenging for all players. It has helped spark me at times when I am at a loss for what to do at the next training session or offers a different approach to a current problem."

Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada

"My team and myself are truly enjoying the Soccer Coach Weekly downloads. Pierrefonds Titans are a great group of U16 Females who compete in the Lac St-Louis Association of Montreal, Quebec, Canada."

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