Press And Escape

Objective

• -Learn how to beat pressure with simple passes
• -Train players to press and then recover
• -Create fast decisions in tight build-up areas

Setup

1. 1Mark a 25 x 18 yard grid with a central start line.
2. 2Put four build-up players at one end and three pressers in front of them.
3. 3Add two target players at the far end as the exit option.

How to play

1. 1The build-up team starts with the ball at the back.
2. 2They must pass through the press and find one of the target players at the far end.
3. 3If the press wins it, they try to keep possession for five passes.
4. 4Once the ball goes dead, restart immediately from the back.
5. 5Rotate pressers and target players after each round.

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

• -Forcing passes into pressure
• -Poor pressing body shape
• -No movement after receiving