Poke Tackle Pressing

Objective

• -Nick the ball with a poke tackle
• -Press without diving in
• -Recover after the tackle attempt

Setup

1. 1A fifteen yard square with two exit gates.
2. 2One dribbler and one defender inside.
3. 3Spare balls outside the square.

How to play

1. 1Dribbler tries to reach either gate, defender uses the poke tackle to knock the ball away.
2. 2Point for the defender if the ball leaves the square.
3. 3Rotate every thirty seconds.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Lunging and getting beaten
• -Standing off and never engaging
• -Fouling in the tackle