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Pressing

Counter-Press Box: Switch To Score

Win the ball back immediately after losing it

Pressing
Transition
Possession

Counter-Press Box: Switch To Score is a 16-minute pressing drill for 8-16 players, suitable for Under 10 to Adults at intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, cones, bibs. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.

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Pressing
Transition
Possession
Skill Practice
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Switching Play
Team Shape
Decision Making

Duration

16 min

Players

8-16

Pitch size

25 x 25 yards

Ability levels

Intermediate / Advanced

Pitch diagram

Pitch set-up: Counter-Press Box: Switch To Score1225 x 25 yards

Counter-Press Box: Switch To Score — 4 gates — score by travelling through · 25 x 25 yards

Step 1 of 4Teams keep possession and score by passing through a gate.

  1. 1. Teams keep possession and score by passing through a gate.
  2. 2. On losing the ball the team counter-presses instantly.
  3. 3. Rounds of two minutes.
  4. 4. A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
  • Cones mark the area
  • Cone gates to dribble / pass through
  • Ball
  • Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble

Objectives

  • -Win the ball back immediately after losing it
  • -React within five seconds
  • -Surround the ball as a group

Setup

  1. 1A 25 yard square with four target gates.
  2. 2Two teams of four with one ball.
  3. 3Extra balls on the outside for restarts.

Coaching instructions

  1. 1Teams keep possession and score by passing through a gate.
  2. 2On losing the ball the team counter-presses instantly.
  3. 3Rounds of two minutes.
  4. 4A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.

Coaching points

  • -Nearest player closes the ball in a heartbeat
  • -Others cut the nearest passing options
  • -Body shape ready before the ball is lost
  • -Recognise when the near side is blocked
  • -Change the point of attack with a fast, driven pass

Common mistakes

  • -Dropping off after losing the ball
  • -One player pressing alone
  • -Standing and complaining after a turnover

Where this drill fits

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