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Small-sided game: Press in the final third
Encourages players to scan for threats, shut down space quickly and apply pressure as a unit.
WHY USE IT
This three-part session works to instil positive player behaviours during pressing moments in the final third.
Set-up
Mark out a normal pitch, relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Divide players into two equal teams.
HOW TO play
Normal match rules apply. The only difference is that if a player shoots and misses – be it wide, blocked or saved – they must run around the goal before rejoining play, to give their opponents a temporary overload.
If a team scores, a player from the defending team must run around the goal.
progressions & ADAPTATIONS
You can increase the temporary overload by stipulating that two players must run around the goal, or increase the distance the player has to run before returning to the pitch.
COACHING POINTS
- Encourage and celebrate high-pressing moments that force mistakes
- Pressing will result in blocked or disrupted shots, earning the defending team a temporary overload and opportunity to score.
- Set up a match with equal teams
- If a team shoots and misses, the striker must run around the goal before rejoining play. A defender does the same if a goal is scored
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Lizzie Hornack
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