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Practice 1: Pressing ahead
A three-part session to teach your players when, where and how to press the opposition.
WHY USE IT
This three-part session teaches players when, where and how to press, and provide cover and balance, when out of possession.
Set-up
Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Four attackers start on the outside, two at each end, while two defenders start in the middle of the area.
HOW TO play
Attackers try to maintain possession and switch play from end to end. Defenders aim to prevent the switch of play and win possession for a point. Defenders work for 45 seconds and then swap roles.
progressions
When a defender wins possession, they both instantly switch places with the attacker and their partner.
COACHING POINTS
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Speed, angle and approach of presser: A player out of possession should take a curved approach to cut off the angle for the switch; they should approach quickly but slow down on arrival; take a side-on position to force one way, knees slightly bent
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Recovery/covering position of second defender: Drop off at an angle; don’t be in a straight line
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In possession: Speed to switch play; find the gaps; deceive defenders
- Two attackers start at each end of the area and look to transfer the ball from one end to the other
- Two defenders start in the middle, working together to intercept the switch of play
- Defensive pairs start by working for 45 seconds before swapping. You can progress to allow an instant swap if they win possession
Related Files
Sophie Ibberson
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