Press and Break

Objective

• -Win the ball and counter quickly
• -Recognise the moment to break forward
• -Support the first pass after regain

Setup

1. 1Mark out a 25 x 20 yard area with a mini goal at each end.
2. 2Split players into two teams and give bibs to one team.
3. 3Each team starts with two players in the middle and the rest on the outside sidelines.
4. 4Place plenty of balls with the coach near the middle.

How to play

1. 1Play a normal small game with teams attacking either mini goal.
2. 2If a team wins the ball, they have five seconds to attack the nearest goal.
3. 3When the ball goes out, the coach restarts straight away with a new ball.
4. 4Rotate the outside players in every two minutes so everyone gets repeated transitions.
5. 5Encourage quick support runs and fast decisions after the regain.

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

• -Switching off after losing it
• -Too many touches on the regain
• -Running without a passing angle