Corner Box Press

Objective

• -Trap the ball in a small space
• -Create aggressive closing actions
• -Improve support around the press

Setup

1. 1Make a square with cones and add a small target gate on each side.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Start one team in possession and the other ready to press.
4. 4Keep spare balls at the edge for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1The team in possession tries to keep the ball and pass through any gate.
2. 2The pressing team works together to force the ball towards one side.
3. 3When the press wins it, they must make three passes or go through a gate to score.
4. 4If the ball goes out, the coach restarts from a new ball immediately.
5. 5Change roles every few minutes.

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

• -Pressing straight at the ball
• -Leaving big gaps between players
• -Letting the ball be switched easily