Box Press Game

Objective

• -Develop pressing and counter pressing
• -Increase repeated high-speed actions
• -Use a game to build match fitness

Setup

1. 1Mark a box with a mini goal at each end.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Place the coach at the side with spare balls.
4. 4Keep the pitch tight so players are always involved.

How to play

1. 1Play a normal game to the mini goals.
2. 2When a team loses the ball, they must press straight away.
3. 3If they win it back within five seconds, they get an extra point.
4. 4Restart quickly whenever the ball goes out.
5. 5Rotate players often to maintain intensity.

Progressions

• +Progressive Tempo: add a fourth maximal round
• +Ball For Every Player: shrink the working area
• +Reaction Start: two cues, one a decoy
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Progressive Tempo: stay at the first two tempos only
• -Ball For Every Player: bigger area, share a ball between two
• -Reaction Start: coach counts players in
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Progressive Tempo — Three rounds: 60% pace, 80% pace, then match pace with full recovery between.
• -Ball For Every Player — Every player works with their own ball so no one waits in a queue.
• -Reaction Start — Every repetition begins from a visual or audio cue rather than a set count.
• -Partner Race — Players work in matched pairs and race each repetition, best of five.
• -Mobility Focus — Each round finishes with a controlled mobility hold for the hips, groin and ankles.
• -Change Of Direction — Add a 90 or 180 degree turn into every repetition before the finish.
• -Team Target — The whole group works to a shared score target and repeats the round if they miss it.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Switching off after a turnover
• -Pressing alone without support
• -Leaving gaps between players