Pressure Side-On Duel

Objective

• -Win the ball while running alongside an attacker
• -Use the body legally to gain the inside line
• -Choose the moment to commit

Setup

1. 1A narrow channel with a mini goal at the far end in a 18 x 8 yards area.
2. 2Position a recovering defender behind each working player, starting two yards back.
3. 3Balls at the start line, bibs for defenders.

How to play

1. 1Attacker and defender start side by side and race for a served ball.
2. 2The defender must get a shoulder in front and win possession legally.
3. 3Roles swap on every rep.
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

• -Pulling or holding the attacker
• -Diving in from behind
• -Facing your own goal and getting trapped by the press