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…Recovering Defenders
A dynamic drill that trains defenders to recover quickly and attackers to exploit numerical advantages in a fast-paced transition scenario.
Coaching Objectives
Develop defenders’ recovery runs, positioning, and communication while improving attackers’ decision-making, movement, and finishing in a numerical advantage situation.
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 10 Players
- 1 Goals
- 4 Bibs
- 20 x 10 y
Technique Tips
- Attackers should make quick decisions, using spacing and movement to exploit overloads.
- Defenders should recover at full speed and communicate to organize their shape.
- Encourage attackers to use combination play (one-twos) to break defensive lines.
- Defenders must focus on delaying rather than diving into tackles to force attackers wide.
What the Players Do
Initial Setup: Mark a five-yard box opposite the goal. Three defenders start inside this box. Three attackers position themselves five yards closer to the goal. One…Defending On Transition
Developing players technical and tactical ability and well as their mentality to regain possession quickly.
Coaching Objectives
Coaching transition needs an element of losing the ball first and working on the players reaction both from a physical, psychological and technical point of view. Having the ability to react quickly will stop the opposition from playing forward and creating overloads.
Drill Setup
- 15 Mins
- 6-12 Players
- 2 Goals
- x2 sets of 3 Bibs
- 20 x 20 y
Technique Tips
- Encourage players to communicate and anticipate transitions.
- Emphasize quick decision-making and accurate passing during transitions.
What the Players Do
One team starts with the ball and attacks into the goal opposite, once they have taken their shot they turn and defend their opponent who begins to attack the other goal. Player's attack…Continue Reading For Free
Plus Get a Free eBook
Enter your email below and we'll send you our Moments of Transition eBook immediately. PLUS you can access this drill free AND send you our regular newsletter to help you become the best coach you can be.
By clicking on subscribe now, you consent to allow Cupello to store and process
the personal information and agree with our Privacy Policy.