Session: DO.010
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Exercise Objectives
- Coach a team to pressure (press) high up the field.
- Coach a team to prevent playing out from the back.
Organisation
Diagram 1. Set-Up Arrangement
Set-Up
- How to create space.(i.e. check away from where you want to receive, takes defenders eyes off you, push off the defender to get separation).
Instructions/Start Position(s)
- D1 plays a back pass to the GK who passes with either their feet or hands out to A1.
- D1 and D2 can be restricted not to move before the GK's touch if needed to create a more realistic scenario and allow pressing to begin. For example, these players can be asked to start inside the centre circle until A1's first touch.
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Diagram 2. Variations with start positions SP2 and SP3.
Scoring
- 2 teams compete and attempt to score in the full size goals.
Coaching Points
- Nearest player to the ball is responsible for providing immediate pressure.
- Force players inside when pressing high up the field (forcing them back into the midfield masses to deny space).
- Prevent the ball being passed forward is the ultimate goal, players pressing don't have to win the ball.
- Discuss individual defending techniques, i.e. side on, get there fast arrive slow, don't over commit, on toes, focus on the ball, goal side defending, stay on feet, etc.
- Slide as a unit to the side of the field the ball is on to compact the field.
- Communication - Tell team mates to press (step!) when needed.
- Man marking to deny space.
- Curved runs to cut off forward passing options if needed to block potential passing channels down the line.
- Can we do anticipation marking (anticipate and intercept the ball before being received).
- Discuss the decision of when to press and when not to press (i.e. Can I close down and force an error or win the ball, or will I just be beaten with a pass past me?).
- Press together when pressing!