Written by Dave Clarke
Three Press the Ball
Improve ball retention under pressure with this drill, designed to simulate scenarios where players face an aggressive opposition press. Reacting to the press is a key warm up action.
Coaching Objectives
Enhance players' ability to maintain possession and make effective decisions under pressure, ultimately improving their composure and confidence on the ball.
Drill Setup
- 10 Mins
- Squad Players
- 3 Bibs
- 15 x 15 y
Technique Tips
1. Body Positioning:
- Keep your body between the ball and the opponent to shield effectively.
- Angle your body to maximize protection while maintaining visibility of passing options.
2. Quick Decision-Making:
- Prioritize quick, decisive actions to evade pressure and maintain possession.
- Anticipate the movements of opponents and teammates to stay ahead of the game.
What the Players Do
You need to put players in a big circle with up to three pressing players in the centre. Decide on how many pressing players you want to use. The players creating the circle make passes to each…1v1 to 2v1
In this game players are coached in support play and positions when the goal is under attack. Who goes to press, who covers
Coaching Objectives
Wingers dropping back to help out the wing backs is an effective way to block routes to goal.
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 8 Players
- 2 Goals
- 4 Bibs
- 15 x 15 y
What the Players Do
Split the area into 4 squares and have two attackers v two defenders in each of the halfs attacking the target goals. In the squares on each side there is an attacker and a player defending who go 1v1…Individual Defending
Developing the technique of individual defending will improve players ability to defend as part of a team as well as understanding the key principles when faced with 1v1 situations.
Coaching Objectives
1v1’s needs direction, transition and lots of opportunity to practice with a good rest: ratio to ensure the quality stays high.
Being hard to beat and able to dictate play will help players across all age groups.
X1 goal at one end of the area & another on the side at an angle.
The final goal placed central at the opposite end for the defender to finish into when regaining possession.
Defender starts at end with the two goals with the attacker at the other.
Rotate positions every couple of rounds.
Drill Setup
- 15 Mins
- 3 Players
- 3 Goals
- 20x15 y
What the Players Do
The ball gets played in by a server who is situated on the side of the area. The attacker's aim is to score in one of the target goals, if the defender wins the ball back, they must finish in…Continue Reading For Free
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