This practice links to our team’s game model of pressing high to regain possession in the opponent’s 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
in more ways than one
sportplan_netball
in more ways than one
sportplan_football
Four Halloween-themed games sneak a full warm-up, finishing, rondo and small-sided game into one junior football session this week.
Deliberate heading is now out of U11 grassroots matches. Here is how to coach chest, thigh and foot control so your players still win the ball in the air.
Long-range goals doubled at the 2026 World Cup as teams sat deep. Here is how to coach when to shoot from distance, the technique, and the follow-up.
