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Matchday preparation: Pressing as a team
Present your team with three different scenarios to problem solve when out of possession in advance of matchday. Session structure: Problem 1, Problem 2, Problem 3
WHY USE IT
This session works on matchday preparation for when the team is out-of-possession, presenting your team with three different problems to solve.
SET-UP
Set up 11v11 (we have shown Blues v Reds in our illustration) on a full-size pitch.
Place a pole on either touchline, midway between the top of the centre circle and the D - this denotes the line of press for the Blue team.
Brief the Blues to play with a counter- attacking intent - they should attempt to score as quickly as possible on regain of possession.
Place a number of balls next to the Reds’ goal and on either side of the halfway line.
HOW TO DO IT
Blues (out of possession) set-up in a 4-4-2 against the Reds (the opposition), who initially set-up in a 4-3-3 with one midfield pivot. Play will always restart with the Reds’ goalkeeper unless the ball goes out for a throw-in for the Blues.
Set the Blues a problem.
Problem 1
The Reds’ wide forward has taken a position outside the full-back in possession, in an attempt to receive against the touchline.
COACHING POINTS
Blues’ number 11 forces the full-back to play a line-pass, taking up a defensive shape that blocks a pass into the near-side advanced midfield player.
Blues’ number 9 moves into a position between the opposition defensive and midfield lines, threatening the pass back to the near-side centre-back.
The Blues’ number 3 must protect the outside shoulder of number 5; they mustn’t ‘cheat’.
As the ball travels from full-back to wide- player, number 3 must press aggressively, showing the ball-carrier the line and making an attempt to win the ball.
As the Blues’ number 3 travels to press the ball, the number 5 must adjust their position to better prepare to cover the outside channel if number 3 is beaten.
Blues’ number 6 and number 2 must react to moment-to-moment changes in number 5’s positioning.
Problem 2
The Reds’ wide forward moves inside and toward the ball in a bid to create a 4v2 central overload. As they do this, the near-side full-back moves on to the advanced midfield line.
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COACHING POINTS
Blues’ number 11 retains a central position inside the width of the 18-yard box, blocking the passing line into the opposition wide-forward.
Blues’ 8 and 4 must now mark between the three advanced red central midfield players (including the wide forward).
The advanced Reds’ full-back now becomes the responsibility of Blues’ number 3, who must stay central until the ball travels to the full-back, but must prepare for this event before it happens
The Blues’ number 9 and number 10 must move into ‘between lines’ positions and prepare for the attacking transition as the ball bypasses their defensive line.
Problem 3
Having played out to one centre-back, the Reds manage to switch the play to the opposite centre-back through the goalkeeper, eventually playing out to the opposite side full-back.
COACHING POINTS
Blues’ number 10 moves out to lock play into the opposite side of the pitch as the ball travels from goalkeeper to centre-back. As the ball bypasses the defensive line and moves into the full-back, the number 10 must move into a ‘between lines’ position while threatening the pass back into the near-side centre-back.
The Blues’ number 9 works on a pivot with the number 10 and moves into a position to deal with the opposition number 4 from the inside.
The Blues’ number 7 travels from in to out to press the full-back from the inside, ensuring they are unable to work a second switch through the midfield. Blues’ back four must adjust accordingly.
The Blues’ number 8 and number 4 work on a pivot, with number 4 moving into a position to deal with near-side advanced centre midfield player.
Sara Hilton
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