IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
ACCRINGTON STANLEY
John Coleman
Overview:
This session is about pressing the ball in all areas, starting high up the pitch. It encourages players to make purposeful decisions whilst reading the game well. It’s important to practise this because if you have a system of play that is quick in tempo and defends from the front, you can win the ball higher up the pitch.
The 13-match unbeaten run that took us into the League Two play-offs came about because we learned to be very adept at keeping teams pinned back. We work on this week-in week-out as it provides a fantastic boost to team spirit and form.
Pressing defenders
PRESSING DEFENDERS
SET-UP AREA
60x40 yards EQUIPMENT
Balls, cones, goals NUMBER OF PLAYERS
13 (7v6) SESSION TIME
Possession 20mins, game 30mins, 11v11 30mins
What do I get the players to do?
We begin the session with possession drills, seeing how many times three players can win the ball from six opponents in a small 20x20-yard area.
Now we progress to a 7v6 (six outfield players in each though one team has a keeper) in a 60x40-yard area with a goal at each end. We mark an 18-yard line across the pitch at one end.
The team of six outfield players operates in advance of the line, only dropping back when the ball is fed through their rearguard. This side start with the ball and attack as normal, scoring three points for every goal. Their opponents, who attack the ‘open goal’, gain one point for each goal.
“We work on this week-in week-out as it provides a fantastic boost to team spirit and form.”
If the ball goes out of play or a goal is scored, play is restarted with the coach serving the ball in. We would practise this for 15 minutes then swap teams.
KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Under pressure, the yellow plays a poor pass which is intercepted and a goal – worth three points – is the outcome
KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Blues aim to retain possession using their 6v3 overload
2a KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
The blue defender presses, denying his opponent the chance to turn and take aim
1
2b
48 Elite Soccer: The Collectors’ Series Volume 1
www.elitesoccercoaching.net
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