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LOGINPlaying forward under pressure
This three-part session develops players’ ability to play forward under pressure, encouraging scanning and receiving to break lines. Session structure: Warm-up, Practice, Small-sided game
WHY USE IT
Develops players’ ability to play forward under pressure, encouraging scanning and receiving to break lines.
Warm-up
Why use it
Works on the key elements of passing and receiving to allow forward play.
Set up
Mark out a circular area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Place players in pairs around the outside of the circle. Each pair should be facing another pair on the opposite side of the circle. One of each of these opposing pairs starts with a football.
How to play
The first player from each pair without a football runs into the middle of the circle and looks to receive the ball from the pair opposite. Once they receive the ball, they must turn and pass back to their partner. The player who passed the ball in then moves into the middle to receive the next pass, and so on.
Progressions/adaptations
You can change the size of the circle to make it easier (bigger area) or harder (smaller area). You can also add a couple of defenders into the middle.
Coaching points
- Scan before receiving
- Body shape to play forward
- Pass with intent
- Timing of movement from receiving players – one movement into the middle and a second movement to create an angle and find space to receive the pass
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The first player from each pair without a football goes into the middle to receive
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After receiving, they turn and pass back to their partner
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The passer moves into the middle to receive the next pass
Practice
Why use it
Works on forward decision-making around when and how to execute the forward ball.
Set up
Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Divide players into two teams of five or six players. Mark out three zones: build-up, midfield, attacking third, and place a goal at each end with a goalkeeper.
How to play
All players except the goalkeepers start in the midfield third. Teams must connect at least four successful passes before the ball can be played into the final third for a runner to receive. Once in the final third, a defender can chase back.
Progressions/adaptations
To make the practice easier:
- Allow dribbling into final third
- Add neutral players for overloads
To make the practice harder:
- Limit touches in midfield
Coaching points
- Weight and timing of forward passes
- Movement off the ball to receive between lines
- Quick decision-making in final third
- Quality of first touch to set up finish
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Three zones are marked out across the area - all players except the goalkeepers start in the middle zone
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Teams must connect at least four passes before playing the ball into the final third for a runner to receive
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The defender can chase back once the ball is in the final third
Small-sided game
Why use it
Incentivises and rewards forward play in a game situation.
Set up
Mark out an area relative to the age, ability and number of your players. Divide players into two equal teams and use normal goals with goalkeepers (if available). Mark a central “line-breaking zone”.
How to play
Play a normal game with one condition:
- A goal counts double if scored after a successful line-breaking pass
Teams are encouraged to play forward quickly when possible.
Progressions/adaptations
To make the practice easier:
- Remove condition, just encourage behaviours
- Add neutral players
To make the practice harder:
- Limit backward passes
- Add time limit to score after breaking the line
- Bonus points for one-touch finishes
Coaching points
- Recognise moments to play forward early
- Support angles around the ball
- Quality and composure in finishing
- Transition mindset: attack quickly when space opens
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A "line-breaking zone" is marked out
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A goal counts double if scored after a successful line-breaking pass
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Encourage players to play forward quickly where possible
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