Reacting to quick transitions is key to this session, as is holding onto the ball under pressure. This includes using clever play to shield the ball and get passes away.
Set up
Set up an area of 20×10 yards. We’ve used 11 players in the session. You need balls, bibs and cones.
How to play
Split your players into three teams: two teams of four and one team of three. One team of four is on the two sides outside the square, and one team of four is in the middle. The team of three has one player in the middle and one at either end. The team of four outside the square cannot pass to each other on the same side and they team up with the team of three. If the team of four in the middle intercept the ball, they switch places with the team on the outside.
Technique
This activity is all very match relevant: pressing in transition including speed of press; pressing when team has a numerical balance; and quick adjusting of mentality from being in possession to transition to defending. It also helps to create mental images of the next pass or position.
1. The game starts with the team of three who play keep ball with the team of four on the outside of the square2. The team outside the square cannot pass to a player on the same side of the square
3. The pressing team must get tight on the passing team and try to force an error4.Here the pressure pays off and the team in the centre wins the ball
5. When the pressing team wins the ball they must swap places with the four on the outside of the square
This session will help school your players in defending against the many difficult situations that arise from opponents launching long balls down the pitch. MORE
Use this training session to coach your midfielders how to win possession by quickly closing down the opposition and pressing the player with the ball. MORE
Every young player in your team needs to feel comfortable to have the ball at his feet all the time - especially in tight areas of the pitch. The final part gives ownership of the session to the players. MORE
This training session is all about the ability to control the ball by passing in tight areas, taking advantage of moments of transition, and being coordinated to change the direction and angle of attack. MORE
The session splits the work into two parts: getting the ball wide and attacking in the final third. There are lots of individual responsibilities here, with the pitch in three parts and a job to be done in each zone. MORE
This game develops quick thinking midfielders like Christian Eriksen. Players like this can set up attacks by reacting quickly to moments of transition in a game, principally moving from defence to attack. MORE
“I took a free trial and I was blown away by the drills; it made my training sessions so much easier. ”