Pressure Counter Press Box

Objective

• -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.

How to play

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.

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