Pressure Switch Finish

Objective

• -Press aggressively and then finish quickly
• -Switch from defending to attacking in one move
• -Use the nearest support after a regain

Setup

1. 1Mark a 35 x 20 yard pitch with a mini goal at each end and a central cone channel.
2. 2Split players into two teams with bibs for one side.
3. 3Place one extra supporting player on each sideline.
4. 4Keep spare balls beside the coach for fast restarts.

How to play

1. 1Play a normal game with support players on the sides.
2. 2When a team wins the ball, they have to find a sideline player before scoring.
3. 3The sideline player can return the ball first time or take a touch and cross it in.
4. 4If the ball is lost, the team must press immediately to win it back.
5. 5Change the sideline players every few minutes.

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

• -Pressing without cover
• -Ignoring the sideline option
• -Slow recovery after the pass