Recover And Rise

Objective

• -Repeat pressing after recovery runs
• -Connect fitness with football actions
• -Improve reactions under fatigue

Setup

1. 1Set out a 32 x 20 yard area with two mini goals.
2. 2Place a few hurdles or cones at one end for quick recovery runs.
3. 3Split players into two teams with bibs.
4. 4Keep balls with the coach to feed each new attack.

How to play

1. 1Players start by completing a short recovery run over the hurdles or around cones.
2. 2They then sprint into the area and press the ball once play begins.
3. 3The pressing team tries to win it and score quickly in the mini goals.
4. 4If the attack breaks through, the defenders recover and reset for the next round.
5. 5Rotate quickly so work remains intense but controlled.

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

• -Starting the press tired and upright
• -Not resetting between turns
• -Forgetting cover after the run