Practice: The pressure is on

WHY USE IT

This three-part session works on players’ ability to receive the ball under pressure and, where possible, play a forward pass.

 

The session gives players the opportunity to work on scanning, receiving, passing, movement and shielding the ball.

 

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age and ability of your players, with a halfway line. Players now play 4v4 in the middle, plus four target players – two at each end.

 

HOW TO DO IT

The practice is the same as the warm-up, but this time with more players to increase the realism and add more variables in terms of pressure and passing options.

 

Two defenders are locked into each half when out of possession to incorporate a screening element and different types of pressure (behind, in front, to the side, on covering angle).

 

PROGRESSIONS

Progress so as all central players are free to move anywhere within the area.

 

COACHING POINTS

• Movement out of eyeline of defender
• Open shoulders to receive
• Receive on half-turn
• Disguise intention if pressed by defender
• Move to create passing/receiving lines