Practice 1: Aggressive pressing

WHY USE IT

This exercise trains the impulse to press aggressively and collectively to win possession in the attacking third.

 

Set-up

Set up an area relative to the age, ability and number of players. Place two poles or cones at halfway and mark out a square at either end. Divide players into three equal teams, placing one in each of the two squares and the third evenly placed behind both poles.

 

HOW TO play

The coach passes into a square. Two defenders from the pressing team (shown here in Blue, one from each pole) sprint into the square to press and create a 6v2 rondo.

The objective of both in-possession teams (Yellows and Reds) is to keep possession for a minimum of four passes and switch to the opposite square. The objective of the pressing team (Blue) is to score three points.

The pressing team scores a point each time they clear the ball from the square. Play continues with a new ball being fed into the opposite square and two new Blues pressing.

 

The pressing team scores three points if they win possession and switch play to the opposite square.

 

Play continues with the team losing possession transitioning from attack to defence, while the Blues transition from defence to attack and occupy the free square. The pressing team continues until they have scored three points.

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progressions

You may need to modify the playing area to allow for the pressing team to succeed. It should be possible for them to press aggressively and collect three points within 4-6 actions.

 

This keeps the exercise at a high-intensity, ultra-competitive and with multiple transitions within the two minutes.

 

COACHING POINTS

Pressing team

• Be physically aggressive but mentally composed
• Sprint with intention to break up possession within 2-3 passes; no jockeying
• 100% intensity
• Work together, be prepared to combine to beat initial counter-press and make switching pass for three points

In-possession teams

• Quality of pass: appropriate weight, accuracy and ball speed to move defenders
• Open body position, scanning and awareness of defenders
• Use an up-back-through to set ball for a player facing forward to make switch pass
• Be prepared for transition to defence: anticipate turnover, close space and cut off passing lane to opposite square. Win back possession as quickly as possible and retain the ball.