Set The Snare

Objective

• -Create pressing traps with shape
• -Read a poor pass
• -Win the ball in tight areas

Setup

1. 1Make a rectangle and divide it into three vertical lanes with cones.
2. 2Split players into two teams using bibs.
3. 3Place the possession team with players across the lanes.
4. 4Keep the pressing team outside the area ready to step in.

How to play

1. 1The possession team tries to pass through the lanes and switch the ball.
2. 2The pressing team waits for a sideways pass, bad touch or pass into a crowded lane.
3. 3At the trigger, two players press and one covers the next pass.
4. 4If the ball is won, the pressing team keeps it and scores by passing to a target cone.
5. 5Restart quickly with another ball from the coach.

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

• -Moving too soon and opening space
• -Leaving the second pass free
• -Pressing without a clear trigger