Greetings Coaches,

This week we offer you a fast paced game to encourage speed of play as well as PRESSING from all players on your team. Some players believe that defending is only for the defenders! Successful teams defend with all their players, starting with their forwards right throught to their defenders. Pressing in areas of the pitch is vital to gaining possession and disrupting the flow of the opposition. Try this 5v5 game below to encourage and teach the fundaentals of pressing in tight areas.

Game of the Week – 5v5 Pressing

Set Up:

A 5v5 is organised on a half pitch as shown – playing area is width of 18-yard box (44 yards). The pitch is divided by a halfway line – a 3v2 is organised in each half as shown. Goalkeepers are positioned inside the coned area as shown.

Explanation:

Pressing Game – Play begins with a pass from the goalkeeper to any of the supporting players. Points are awarded for succesfully passing on the ground / air to the opposite goalkeeper. The defensive team must PRESS to deny any of these penetrating passes. The defensive half of the pitch is a 3v2 situation – this allows the 3 players (1,2,3) more time on the ball to consider a long pass to the opposite goalkeeper. The two attacking players (4,5) must attempt to quickly put pressure on these 3 players. Play is continuous. If strikers 4,5 win possession they must pass to their defensive teammaes prior to starting another attack

Set Up:

Same set-up as previous – the halfway line is now removed.

Explanation:

Play begins with a pass from the goalkeeper to any of the supporting players. Points are awarded for succesfully passing on the ground / air to the opposite goalkeeper. The defensive team must PRESS to deny any of these penetrating passes. In the diagram, Red (3) has received a pass from the goalkeeper; Red (3) is immediately PRESSED by attacker (5): Red (3) must quickly pass to supporting player (2): Player (2) quickly releases the ball to Red (1). Yellow (6) must immediately apply pressure as the ball is travelling to (1) in order to deny any penetrating passes.

Coaching Points:

Travel to PRESS your opponent as the ball is travelling.
Keep your opponents head down – don´t allow them to relax and look up for the long pass.
Communication is vital

Progression

Set Up:

Same set-up as previous -with addition of full-size goals

Explanation:

Same PRESSING game as previous – players must apply quick pressure on their opponents to deny penetrating passes and attempts on goal. Players may now score in their opponents goal. Normal soccer rules apply. Play is continuous for designated period of time.

Coaching Points:

• Travel to PRESS as the ball is travelling.
• Keep your opponents head down – don´t allow them to relax and look up for the long pass or shot.
• Communication is vital.