Press and Pin

Objective

• -Press the receiver as the ball arrives
• -Prevent turns under pressure
• -Force play back or sideways

Setup

1. 1Split the pitch into two halves with a central line.
2. 2Play 4v4 or 5v5 in each half with goal lines to attack.
3. 3One team starts with the ball in their own half.

How to play

1. 1The team in possession tries to pass into the other half.
2. 2When the ball travels, the nearest defender presses hard but under control.
3. 3If a player receives facing forwards, the defender tries to stop the turn.
4. 4A win of the ball earns a point if the team can keep it for three passes.
5. 5Restart from the coach if the ball goes out.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Pressing from too far away
• -Going in flat and square
• -Not supporting the first defender