The following activity looks at players working together in a unit of 3. Players get to use visual aids to understand the distances between them when they press and when they drop back. Communication plays a key role in seeing the players succeed in stopping the ball being played through them and winning the ball back.
Set Up
Set up a 28x21 playing area. Split the playing area into 7x7 squares. Players are in teams of 6, with players in alternate rows of 3, each in their own square.
One team starts in possession and scores a point for playing through the defending team in front of them to their team mates. Players cannot leave the square that they are in. If the defending team win the ball, they turn and look to play through to their team mates to score a point. Play for 3 mins and switch rows.
Progression 1
Allow the pressing defender to enter the square and steal the ball off the player in possession
Progression 2
Add goals and make it a directional game. Pressure from behind allowed.
Coaching Points
Closest defender to pressure the player on the ball
Press when the ball is traveling
Supporting defenders to provide cover behind the pressing defender
Cover deep if player on the ball is facing forward, high if back to target
Use loud verbal communication to organise positioning
Considerations
Include GK's for the entire practice to communicate with players in front of them
Suggested Ages
U11-U12
Good session