Pressure Near Post Glide

Objective

• -Attack the near post with conviction
• -Redirect fast service into the goal
• -Coach the movement that loses a marker

Setup

1. 1A near-post run channel marked with two cones in a 28 x 22 yards area.
2. 2Position a recovering defender behind each working player, starting two yards back.
3. 3Balls with the wide server, keeper in goal.

How to play

1. 1Server drives the ball low across the six-yard box.
2. 2Striker times a bent run to meet it at the near post.
3. 3Second striker holds the back post for anything missed.
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

• -Standing on the goal line
• -Trying to power a fast ball
• -Facing your own goal and getting trapped by the press