Press Bait Drill

Objective

• -Use the press to create space elsewhere
• -Teach players to invite pressure then escape
• -Develop patience and disguise in build-up

Setup

1. 1Make a 26 x 20 yard rectangle with a central lane and two side lanes.
2. 2Set up four build-up players against three pressers.
3. 3Place two small target zones at the far end.

How to play

1. 1The team in possession starts by drawing the press towards one side of the pitch.
2. 2Once the press commits, they must switch the ball to the other side and play into a target zone.
3. 3Pressers try to block the switch and win the ball high up.
4. 4If the press wins it, they score in a cone gate at the start end.
5. 5After each round, swap the pressing triangle so players face new angles.

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

• -Switching before the press is committed
• -Not creating a clear far-side option
• -Poor body shape on the receiving player