Four Gate Press

Objective

• -Keep possession while under pressure
• -Recognise when to press the ball
• -Use movement to escape tight areas

Setup

1. 1Mark a 24 x 24 yard square with four small gates, one in each side.
2. 2Split into two teams with bibs for one team.
3. 3Start with one team in possession and two defenders pressing.
4. 4Place spare balls by the coach.

How to play

1. 1The attacking team keeps the ball and tries to dribble or pass through any gate for a point.
2. 2The defenders work together to win it and can press aggressively once the ball is touched.
3. 3If the defenders win it, they become the team in possession straight away.
4. 4Restart quickly after every point or turnover.
5. 5Keep the game fast and encourage communication.

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

• -Lone pressing
• -Poor distance between players
• -Rushing into pressure