Underload 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. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
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 attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Progressions

• +Add a second extra defender
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Even the numbers up again
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Attackers get one 'free pass' per round they can call
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Standing and complaining after losing the ball
• -Everybody pressing the same player
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early