Press and Cover

Objective

• -Teach the first defender and covering defenders their jobs
• -Show how shape helps win the ball back
• -Build understanding of support behind the press

Setup

1. 1Set a 22 x 18 yard area with cones.
2. 2Split players into groups of three or four in bibs.
3. 3Put a ball with one attacking team to start.

How to play

1. 1One player presses the ball while the others position themselves to cover space behind and beside.
2. 2The attacking team tries to keep the ball for a short spell.
3. 3If defenders win it, they pass to a target cone or retain possession for a point.
4. 4Rotate roles every minute or two.
5. 5Keep the action short, sharp and well 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

• -Everyone diving in
• -Cover players too far away
• -Pressing without a plan