Pressure Counter Press Box

Objectives

• -Win the ball back within seconds of losing it
• -Coach the reaction of the closest players
• -Prevent the opposition's first forward pass

Setup

1. 1A compact box with mini goals at each end in a 28 x 22 yards area.
2. 2Position a recovering defender behind each working player, starting two yards back.
3. 3Balls with the coach, two sets of bibs.

Coaching instructions

1. 1Normal small-sided rules with a six-second counter-press window.
2. 2Winning the ball back inside six seconds scores a point.
3. 3If the window passes, the team must drop into shape.
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.

Common mistakes

• -Standing and complaining after losing the ball
• -Everybody pressing the same player
• -Facing your own goal and getting trapped by the press