Bounce Back Press

Objective

• -Press after losing the ball
• -Recover quickly into shape
• -Turn counter-pressing into recovery

Setup

1. 1Set up a square with a smaller square inside if you want extra challenge.
2. 2Split players into two teams using bibs.
3. 3Start with one team in possession and one team ready to hunt the ball.
4. 4Keep a few spare balls around the outside.

How to play

1. 1The team in possession tries to keep the ball and move into space.
2. 2As soon as the ball is lost, the nearest players press for five seconds.
3. 3If they win it back, they continue attacking straight away.
4. 4If they do not win it, they drop back into shape and the other team keeps possession.
5. 5Rotate players regularly so everyone gets the pressing moments.

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 off after losing possession
• -Pressing without help nearby
• -Overrunning the ball and giving space