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Football: pressure

pressure DRILLS
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1-2 and cross

Set up as shown. Player 1 starts with the ball in the middle of the field and plays a 1-2 pass with player 2 before passing out wide to player 3. At this point, players 1 and 2 run towards the penalty area, ready to receive a cross, while one of the defenders goes out wide to put pressure on the crosser. Player 3 will cross the ball into the box where players 1 and 2 will try to beat the defender to it and score.

Crossing and Finishing

2 Player Crossing Drill

Players on the wing run with the ball down the side of the pitch before crossing for an attacker who has ran into the area, usually at the far post. Attackers begin further back than the wingers and in line with the corner of the penalty area. Once the coach blows his whistle, the attacker must sprint at full speed to reach the area and get on the end of the cross.

Crossing and Finishing

Breakaway

Set out three grids within the area according to the dimensions shown in the above diagram. Play 3 v 3 in the 30 x 40 yard grid. The team in possession plays the ball around the central area. The goal of the game is to penetrate into the attacking area and finish a 1 on 1 with the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper must stay on the line until the attacker crosses the attacking line. Progression: Allow a single defender to pursue the attacker to pressure or block the shot.

Conditioned games

Defending the Midfield

Play 2 v 2 in the area furthest from goal and 2 v 3 in the defensive area around the goal. Make 2 small goals on the end line for the defense to play out through. The attacking team (gold) in the area furthest from the goal, combine to play the ball into the two attackers in the opposite area. The two defenders in the area furthest from the goal attempt to intercept passes as they are played through. The three defenders in the defensive area mu st pressure the ball, marking tightly when close to the ball or goal. Defenders from the area furthest from the goal may enter into the defensive area to support the three defenders and to serve as midfield players for clearances from the back. If defenders intercept the ball, they should attempt to play the ball through either of the small goals at the bottom of the diagram.

Defending

Defensive Pressure

Play 3 v 3 in the middle area with goalkeepers stationed in each of the goals. Balls are placed around the field so that as soon as a ball goes out, the closest ball is played in. As soon as a player receives the ball from the goalkeeper or an outfield teammate, he should attempt a shot on goal. The defending team must attempt to pressure the ball carrier and closely mark all other attacking players.

Defending

Pass and pressure

Player 1 starts with the ball and passes the ball to player 2. player 1 runs after the ball to try and win the ball off player 2 (not allowed to intercept, only tackle). Player 2 has to at least play 2 touches, one to control and one pass. Every player in turn has to follow his/her own pass and stop in the position of the next player.

Passing and Receiving

Power Shot 1

Set out three grids within the area according to the dimensions shown in the above diagram. Play 3 v 1 in each large area, plus a goalkeeper. The 3 blue players combine to dribble the ball past the lone white defender into the midfield area then shoot on the goal. The lone blue player in the other area follows up on rebounds from the goalkeeper. Repeat in the opposite direction. Rotate positions. Progressions:1. The lone defender can track the attacking player into the midfield area in an attempt to pressure the attacker or block the shot.2. Change the ratio of attackers to defenders to 3 v 2.

Shooting

Shooting Under Pressure

Groups of six. Position players as shown in the diagram. One server and one attacker on each side of the goal with a single defender to the side of the goal. Repeat in another area for a total of 12 players. Player 1 passes ball into space in front of player 2. Player 2 one touches and shoots on goal. As soon as player 2 touches the ball, the defender may move to challenge the shot. Repeat the practice in the opposite direction. Rotate positions. Progression: When player 2 touches the ball, player 1 may move in to challenge the shot from behind.

Shooting

Simple 2v1 Possession

2 players try and keep possession of the ball against 1 defender who has to put pressure on the player with the ball. Players passing should try and look in the opposite direction to their intended pass (not all the time).Coaching Points:- Use of dummiesPass with all parts of both feet

Possession

Through Ball in the Triangle

Set up a rectangle, 15x10m, with a player on each corner plus two defending players inside the grid with bibs on. The outside players must try to stretch the two defenders in order to make space for the diagonal pass. In order to do this they can pass laterally and use dummy passes to send the defenders. Players keep count of how many diagonal passes they have completed.

Possession

Shooting Under Pressure Shooti...

Groups of six. Position players as shown in the diagram. One server and one attacker on each side of the goal with a single defender to the side of the goal. Repeat in another area for a total of 12 players.Player 1 passes ball into space in front of player 2. Player 2 one touches and shoots on goal. As soon as player 2 touches the ball, the defender may move to challenge the shot. Repeat the practice in the opposite direction. Rotate positions.Progression: When player 2 touches the ball, player 1 may move in to challenge the shot from behind.

General

Defensive Pressure Defending -...

Play 3 v 3 in the middle area with goalkeepers stationed in each of the goals. Balls are placed around the field so that as soon as a ball goes out, the closest ball is played in. As soon as a player receives the ball from the goalkeeper or an outfield teammate, he should attempt a shot on goal. The defending team must attempt to pressure the ball carrier and closely mark all other attacking players.

General

1 vs 1 - Under Pressure Dribbl...

The red player attacks the blue player in the area between the blue cones. The blue player cannot tackle but can only put red player under pressure.

General

Run on and shoot under pressur...

This drill simulates a through pass being played for your attack to run onto and finish in a one vs one show-down with the keeper. The two lines take it in turns to run. The first player passes the ball for the attacker to run onto - once inside the box the attacker should run deeper inside the box and try to get the better of the keeper in a one vs one. After shooting players should collect their ball and run to the back of their feeder's line. The player who played the through pass should follow their pass and join the back of the attacker's line.

General

Pass and pressure Passing and ...

Player 1 starts with the ball and passes the ball to player 2. player 1 runs after the ball to try and win the ball off player 2 (not allowed to intercept, only tackle). Player 2 has to at least play 2 touches, one to control and one pass. Every player in turn has to follow his/her own pass and stop in the position of the next player.

General

Pass and pressure Passing and ...

Set out grids of about 5m by 5m depending on the ability of your group (the bigger the distance between the players the easier the practice) blue player 1 rolls or throws the ball to either red player 1 or 2. As soon as the ball is thrown and whilst the receiving player is trying to control the ball the innitial player should challenge for the ball and try to win it back. The receiving player has to try and pass the ballto the 3rd player on doing this. the innitial receiver becomes the next thrower.

General

Backpass with Pressure Goalkee...

Set up:Set up cones from the middle of the goal leading out into the area. Set up a mini goal (or mark out a mini goal with cones). Goalkeeper is played a backpass along the ground.Goalkeepr on the first touch puts the ball across the area- touch must be through the cones into opposite half of the goal.The GK should pass to a player on that side or pass into the mini goal

General

Shadow defending 1 v 1 skills ...

Players are working in pairs. Player 1 dribbles forward and player 2 shadows them, not trying to win the ball but trying to put pressure on the player in possession.

General

Football: 1v1 - First touch an...

Set up two lines of players as show in the image, about 30m from the goals. The first player dribbles with the ball at pace and then puts their foot on top of the ball, to leave it dead in front of the other player. The first player continues their run around the cone in front of them and then runs back inside the area. The receiver uses a positive first touch to move into space and then try to finish through one of the wide goals. The first player should have continued their run and now tries to put pressure on the receiver's shot.

General

Pressure Shooting Shooting - S...

Two lines stand behind a cone, with the defending line standing slightly forward of the attacking line. To start the drill the defender plays the ball in front of the attacker for them to run onto. As soon as the pass is played the drill is live and the attacker must run forward, under pressure from the defender, and shoot once they've entered the 18 yard box.

General

1-2 and cross Crossing and Fin...

Set up as shown. Player 1 starts with the ball in the middle of the field and plays a 1-2 pass with player 2 before passing out wide to player 3. At this point, players 1 and 2 run towards the penalty area, ready to receive a cross, while one of the defenders goes out wide to put pressure on the crosser. Player 3 will cross the ball into the box where players 1 and 2 will try to beat the defender to it and score.

General

Simple 2v1 Possession Possessi...

2 players try and keep possession of the ball against 1 defender who has to put pressure on the player with the ball. Players passing should try and look in the opposite direction to their intended pass (not all the time).<br>Coaching Points:- <br>Use of dummies<br>Pass with all parts of both feet

General

9 v 9 Wide Play Possession - F...

Setup: 50 x 40 with wide zone for full backs / wingersExplanation: Ball starts with either the coach or either GK.Once the ball is in play, the defending team are tasked with getting immediate pressure on the ball from front to back.1st and 2nd defenders show press aggressively and force the opposition to play backwards or side wards or long.Look for clear communication from players in positions behind to help support the closest players to the ball.Aim is to win the ball back and counter attack quickly or regain controlled possession.

General

Shooting, run and pass Shootin...

Player 1 plays a through pass down the line for player 2 to run onto. When player 2 reaches the pass and gets the ball under control they then cross the ball into the centre, along the floor or in the air, for player 3 to run onto and finish.

General

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pressure SESSIONS
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Counter attacking from deep

Develop the ability to sit back and soak up pressure by inviting pressure to turn the ball over and counter-attack at pace.

Plan B defending - On the edge of your Box!

Danger zone defending - create defending pressure, in and around your 18 yard box, to test your how your defenders cope!

Striking and Finishing, like Costa

Goals win games. That's why this session teaches your strikers to finish like these two prolific goal-scorers through a variety of finishing skills, drills and technique practices

Pressing in small groups

Press in small groups to develop your teams understanding and feel for the movement when pressing high up the field.

Change the Point of Attack

Move the opposition's defence and practice passing into space with this switching session - working on quick and accurate passes.

Junior Defending - Making sure all players are covered

Teach all your players how to stand up and resist the temptation to dive in. Instead jockey players and wait for the right moment to make the interception!

Supporting front players in the final third

Play with the ball in the final third. Create sustained attacking pressure by working on the timing of runs and developing the players passing skills.

One vs One - Developing Dribbling Confidence

Improve confidence on the ball and get your players running at the opposition with this dribbling skills refresher plan

Improving Shooting Technique inside the Box

Teach players to take the shot early, to avoid being closed down, and improve your side's shooting percentage from inside the box

Passing Touch and Control - Pinpoint Passing

Are your players ambidextrous? Challenge them to pass using both feet with this passing accuracy and ball control training session

Dealing with the back pass

Deal with the back pass with composure and skill to be an outlet for an under pressure defence and clear your lines. But it’s not always as simple as it seems… work on coping with even the trickiest of passes!

Attackers - First line of defence

Press high and get your attackers in the mentality to being the first line of defence with the aim of winning the ball back high up the pitch.

Receiving priorities to shoot & score

Develop your forwards recognition of where the spaces are in tight areas and how they can use their body to receive and protect the ball to then get a shot off.

Attacking Play within SSG

Get your players playing in small groups and transfer it to the match to work the ball up the field progressively.

Passing & Control On The Move

Have the ball on a piece of string when you attack at pace. Develop your teams passing and control whilst on the move to cut open defences with sharp, slick play.

Passing, Receiving & Combining to Attack

Set up attacks by encouraging your players to show for the ball and make/receive a pass with confidence.
pressure ANSWERS
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Need help to develop striking for under 8Please help?

Need help to develop striking for under 8 Please help?

Archived User Coach

i have a test to coach a group of 8 yr olds on pressure?

i have a test to coach a group of 8 yr olds on pressure defending, does anyone have any good drills and advice on how best to conduct this test? i am new to coaching

Archived User Coach

I can not get my midfield to be combatative and stop?

I can not get my midfield to be combatative and stop the ball watching, Technically they are a strong unit,just switch off too much ??

Simon Neu Ville Coach, England

How to best combat through balls

How to best combat through balls

Archived User Coach

Coach doing my FA Level 2 badge, looking for skill & SSGs on pressing?

hi im currently doing my FA level 2 badge. I have just been given my final topic on " pressing " has any one got any good technique, skill and ssg drills for this. many thanks j

Archived User Coach

How can i fix this?

My senior lads, have the best ability and understand the basics of team play in training, but on the pitch they panic and try to get the ball to strikers as quick as they can. This stops our midfield attacking. we only play a 4-5-1 so we should be strong in the midfield but they just seem to be defending all the time. How can i fix this?

Archived User Coach

Defending the through ball

How can we defend the through ball from a faster team?

Archived User Coach

Team thrashed every week - where to start?

Team keep getting thrashed every week - where to start? Having been the sole coach/manager of a little league team for the past two years, this year I lost all my senior players. I was therefore presented with 10 brand new lads, some of whom have never played competitive football. We are 8 games in and my lads are getting thrashed every week. The main problems are that they cannot get the ball out of their half, positions are usually a mess, finishing and chance creation are non-existent, and they don't apply any pressure or are unable to tackle. The main problems are keeping the ball as a team, getting it in the opponents half and staying there, and creating/finishing chances. I only have 1 and a half hours a week with them. I don't really know what to do, and I'm a little desperate. Does anybody have any advice? Thanks for literally anything.

Coach, England

Long Ball Defending for U11s Help

I run a U11 team that is reasonably successful and plays with confidence and spends a lot of the time on the front foot. However we seem to get caught week after week by the simple long ball over the top and would welcome some tips/drills to help the lads improve this part (it's driving me mad!). Thanks in advance.

Ian Coach, England

Managing two u8 teams together and pressure from Dads

I manage and coach two current u8 boys teams, which as you can imagine is time consuming and often stressful. I can often feel under pressure particularly being a female and getting dads interfering. Time wise I have to train them together but I really need some news ideas to engage them and stop the messing about. I have 16 of them and we are going to u9 in the new season. Any help would really be appreciated.

Archived User Coach

Shooting at goal under pressure

Having problems with my 12 th grade boys they have lost the ability to shoot at the goal under pressure,instead they are kicking the ball right to the keeper softly,or shooting way way off target.

Archived User Coach

Pass back to Defense/Midfield

I'm looking for a drill to teach my players to not always drive forward, but rather play the ball back away from pressure to a trailing player.. Any ideas? The players are between 10 and 13 yo.

Fritz Mizell Coach, United States of America

Defending dead balls

My team always hesitates on defending corners. We set up right and then don't react. Can you help? Asked using Sportplan on Mobile

Coach, England

Beating a high press from a goal kick 9 aside football

Could anybody provide me with any drills to beat a high press from the opposition when we are taking a goal kick, during a under 11 9 aside game. The team is a developing side with very mixed abilities. Our goalies cannot kick the ball far which leads us to lose possession around the 18 yard box.Any ideas would be much appreciated?

r webster Coach, England

Team pressure as a new coach

I’m a new coach assigned to coach my college faculty, but I believe there would be a lot of pressure and bad energy from students/players. How can I solve this problem peacefully and effectively?

Famuyide Segun Coach, Nigeria

Defending drills

Does anyone know any good defending drills not for a team but for an individual it has been hard to find any drills other than the basics of defending and some ones to do with jockeying and body positioning.

Isaac Goodrich Coach, Australia

Managing two u8 teams together...

I manage and coach two current u8 boys teams, which as you can imagine is time consuming and often stressful. I can often feel under pressure particularly being a female and getting dads interfering. Time wise I have to train them together but I really need some news ideas to engage them and stop the messing about. I have 16 of them and we are going to u9 in the new season. Any help would really be appreciated.

Archived User Coach

Shooting at goal under pressur...

Having problems with my 12 th grade boys they have lost the ability to shoot at the goal under pressure,instead they are kicking the ball right to the keeper softly,or shooting way way off target.

Archived User Coach

Private Coaching - Session Ide...

Hi guys, I've got one of my best players come to me with his father and ask if I could hold a 1hr30mins session for just him to improve his football overall. He's got good ability, so does anyone have session ideas I could implement aswell as techniques to use when coaching one on one, as I've not done it before?

Oliver Perkins Coach, England

Team thrashed every week - whe...

Team keep getting thrashed every week - where to start? Having been the sole coach/manager of a little league team for the past two years, this year I lost all my senior players. I was therefore presented with 10 brand new lads, some of whom have never played competitive football. We are 8 games in and my lads are getting thrashed every week. The main problems are that they cannot get the ball out of their half, positions are usually a mess, finishing and chance creation are non-existent, and they don't apply any pressure or are unable to tackle. The main problems are keeping the ball as a team, getting it in the opponents half and staying there, and creating/finishing chances. I only have 1 and a half hours a week with them. I don't really know what to do, and I'm a little desperate. Does anybody have any advice? Thanks for literally anything.

Coach, England

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