Press And Protect

Objective

• -Combine pressing with cover behind
• -Protect central space
• -Use team balance when defending

Setup

1. 1Mark out a 40 x 30 yard pitch with a central lane.
2. 2Put mini goals on both ends.
3. 3Split into two teams and give bibs to one side.
4. 4Start play from the coach or from a goalkeeper if you have one.

How to play

1. 1Play a possession game where one team tries to score in the mini goals.
2. 2The defending team presses aggressively when the ball enters the central lane.
3. 3A second and third defender stay behind to stop the switch or pass through.
4. 4If the ball is won, the team attacks immediately.
5. 5Keep the tempo high with quick restarts.

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

• -Everyone chasing the ball
• -Leaving the middle open
• -Failing to recover after the press