Small-sided game: Pressing fundamentals

WHY USE IT

Allows players to understand when and how to press, using a small-sided game to encourage more opportunities on and off the ball and improve decision-making around pressing.

Set-up

Set up a 3v3 game with two mini goals, in an area of a size that is suitable for your players.

Carefully match up players with who they are most likely to pass to in a match – for example, you could put a central midfielder, left midfielder/winger and right midfielder/winger in one team. 

Use cones to divide the area into four triangles. Add a neutral player if you have odd numbers.

HOW TO play

Play a 3v3 game. If the ball goes out, restart with a pass-in or dribble-in. Only one player per team is allowed in each triangular area – this teaches younger players balance and support, in and out of possession.

COACHING POINTS

• Press early and try to win the ball higher up the field to cut out space.
• Pressing quickly limits attackers’ time to make decisions and cuts off space.
• The second and third player who is supporting the press will be in the other boxes – the lines allow players to have a guide to defending the space and cutting off the passing line.