Warm-up: Playing forward under pressure

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