This practice links to our teamâs game model of pressing high to regain possession in the opponentâs half and create immediate scoring opportunities. The objective is to apply coordinated pressure to force mistakes and win the ball close to goal. Key coaching factors include recognising pressing triggers such as a poor touch, slow pass or backwards pass, and working collectively to lock the play onto one side of the pitch. The pressing team must block central and opposite-side passing lanes to prevent the ball transferring across the pitch, forcing the opposition to play in one direction where pressure can be increased. The nearest player presses the ball while teammates provide cover and support to close space and intercept passes. When possession is regained, players must react quickly with minimal touches to attack the goal before the defence can recover. The practice can be adapted to 5v5 with reduced space to encourage quick regains, and 7v7 with wider areas while maintaining the same pressing principles and player responsibilities.
Pressing team must lock play onto one side of the pitch, preventing the ball being switched to the opposite side. Nearest player presses the ball quickly and aggressively to force the opponent to play in one direction. Supporting players must block central and opposite passing lanes to stop the ball travelling through or across the pitch. Team must work together to force play wide and trap the opponent near the touchline. Press on clear triggers such as a poor touch, slow pass or backwards pass. Players must maintain compact distances to support the press and intercept passes. If the ball is regained, players must react immediately and attack the goal quickly with minimal touches before the defence can recover. Encourage forward runs and support around the ball to create quick scoring opportunities. Players closest to goal must be ready to finish quickly when the ball is regained in the attacking third. Progressions Extra points for opposition if they manage to transfer into opposite half and score Time limit for pressing team to win the ball and counter/score
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_football
Set pieces account for roughly a third of all goals in football, yet many coaches spend surprisingly little time coaching defensive organisation at corners and free kicks. This article compares zonal and man marking systems, explores hybrid approaches, and provides a practical session structure for building set piece resilience into your team.
A player's first touch determines everything that follows: whether they can play forward, turn, or simply retain the ball. This article explores why training first touch in isolation is not enough, and how to design sessions that develop this critical skill under realistic game pressure.
The coaching methodology revolution sweeping grassroots football - and how to implement it at your club this season.
