Pressure Numbers Up Shape Game

Objectives

• -Hold shape while outnumbered
• -Coach compactness under sustained pressure
• -Reward organised defending with a counter chance

Setup

1. 1A pitch with a goal to defend and two counter goals on halfway in a 40 x 30 yards area.
2. 2Position a recovering defender behind each working player, starting two yards back.
3. 3Balls with the attacking team, two sets of bibs.

Coaching instructions

1. 1The attacking team has a two-player advantage.
2. 2The defending team stays compact and counters into the halfway goals.
3. 3Swap roles every five minutes.
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

• -Chasing the ball out of shape
• -No outlet after winning the ball
• -Facing your own goal and getting trapped by the press