Practice: Principles of pressing

WHY USE IT

This practice develops principles introduced in the warm-up in a structured game environment.

SET UP

Set out a playing area using half a pitch. Depending on your players’ age and ability, you may want to make the area slightly narrower than full width. Use a full-size goal at one end and two mini goals at the other. Split the pitch in half length-ways.

HOW TO PLAY

The out-of-possession team sets up in a 3-3 or 1-2-3 formation to replicate a front three unit, though you may want to change this depending on your system. The in-possession team plays with a goalkeeper, four defenders and one midfielder. The goalkeeper always starts. Their team can only play down one side and aim to score in the mini goal in that half, so it becomes a 4v5 in favour of the pressing team. The out-of-possession team aims to win the ball and score. They can play across the whole pitch. Progress to allow the in-possession team to use the whole pitch.

COACHING POINTS

The out-of-possession team must work as a unit to press the attacking team, not allowing them to come into the other half of the pitch. Consider body shape, pressing angles and speed, and cover and balance.