Equipment Needed
- Several balls
- Cones to mark zones
Make the press easy to read
A set of pinnies makes it easy for the back line to identify pressure and passing options at a glance.
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- Set up a defensive third scenario with a goalkeeper, back line, and a pressing forward line.
- Mark the halfway line as the target to reach in possession.
Instructions
- The goalkeeper starts with the ball and looks for the first safe outlet among the spread-out back line.
- Defenders create passing angles by staying wide and offering a return option, not bunching centrally.
- Under pressure, the ball can go long to a designated target as a release valve rather than forcing a risky pass.
- The goal is to progress possession past the halfway line without a live-ball turnover in a dangerous area.
Coaching Points
- Every player off the ball should be creating an angle, not just standing in open space.
- The goalkeeper needs to be comfortable as an eleventh outfield passer here — treat them as part of the build-up.
- Recognize when the safe pass isn't on and go long rather than forcing a turnover in the defensive third.
- Composure under pressure is the entire point — rushed decisions near your own goal are the highest-cost mistakes in the game.
Variation
Add a numbers-down pressing scenario to increase difficulty, or restrict the back line to two touches to force faster decisions.