Pressure Clock Face Touches

Objective

• -Manipulate the ball into every direction on the clock face
• -Improve balance and body shape while moving the ball
• -Prepare players for turning away from pressure

Setup

1. 1A ring of twelve cones set out like a clock face in a 12 x 12 yards area.
2. 2Position a recovering defender behind each working player, starting two yards back.
3. 3One ball per player inside the ring.

How to play

1. 1Coach calls a clock number and players move the ball to that cone with a named skill.
2. 2Players return to the middle before the next call.
3. 3Alternate between sole, inside and outside of the foot.
4. 4The defender is released the moment the ball leaves the server's foot.
5. 5The working player scores by completing the action before pressure arrives; the defender scores by blocking it.

Progressions

• +Defender starts level rather than behind
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Defender presses at jogging pace only
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two defenders alternate so pressure is constant
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Turning into a crowded part of the ring
• -Standing over the ball between calls
• -Facing your own goal and getting trapped by the press