Front Foot Game

Objective

• -Press high in a match setting
• -Link pressing to attacking shape
• -Win the ball near goal

Setup

1. 1Set up a small match pitch with a full-size goal at each end if available, or one goal and one target line.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs.
3. 3Use normal match rules but keep the area slightly smaller than usual.
4. 4Place spare balls near the coach for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1Play a short-sided match with an aggressive pressing focus.
2. 2The team without the ball tries to win it back high up the pitch.
3. 3If they force a mistake or win possession, they attack the goal straight away.
4. 4The coach can stop play only to freeze a good pressing moment or correct shape.
5. 5Rotate players if needed to keep work rate high.

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

• -Giving the ball carrier too much time
• -Huge gaps between the lines
• -Pressing without any recovery