Warm-up: Pressing fundamentals

WHY USE IT

This warm-up game teaches foundation-phase players (ages 5-11) the fundamentals of pressing, through developing body position and movement on and off the ball.

Set-up

Mark out an area relative to the age and ability of your players; you might want two or three areas if you have a large group. 

Set out two blue gates and two red gates, with players divided into two teams. The blue team starts by a red gate and the red team by a blue gate.

HOW TO play

The first Reds’ player tries to run through a red gate, with the first Blues’ player attempting to tag them before they get through. If the Reds’ player gets through a gate without being tagged, they get a point; if the Blues’ player tags them or forces them out of the area, they get a point. 

Swap the team roles after every player has attacked the gates three times.

progressions & ADAPTATIONS

The Reds’ players have a ball each and try to dribble through a red gate. If the Blues’ player wins the ball, they need to dribble through a blue gate to score.

COACHING POINTS

• The defender should get out to the attacker quickly and close down the space.
• About a yard from the attacking player, the defender should slow down with a low body shape, anticipating to win the ball back.
• The defender should delay the attacker by using their body to force the player backwards or sideways.