Square Release

Objective

• -Keep the ball when building from the back
• -Find a safe outlet under pressure
• -Create a passing shape to escape pressure

Setup

1. 1Mark a 24 x 24 yard square.
2. 2Place four attackers inside the square and two defenders to press.
3. 3Add two outlet players on the outside on opposite sides.
4. 4Start each round with the ball at one of the inside players.

How to play

1. 1The inside team must complete passes and find an outlet player to escape the square.
2. 2The outlet player can return the ball straight away or carry it for a touch before passing back.
3. 3Defenders press to win the ball and can score by taking it cleanly.
4. 4If the defenders win it, they become the inside team for the next round.
5. 5Keep rounds short and sharp.

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

• -Too many touches in danger
• -No support behind the ball
• -Panicking when pressed