Gafferbook
Pressing ยท U12 to adult

Press or drop (coach's call)

During a game, the coach calls 'press!' or 'drop!' and the team must switch between a high press and a compact mid-block. Teaches a team to change pressing height together.

U12 to adultAges
12 to 18 plus keepersPlayers
Half pitch plusArea
15 to 20 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

โž• Put it in tonight's session๐Ÿ—“ Build my season around itโœ๏ธ Make my own version

Set-up

  • Game on a large pitch; halfway line marked.
  • Coach on the side with a whistle.

Equipment: 2 goals, cones, bibs, balls

How it works

  1. 'Press!': squeeze up and press high.
  2. 'Drop!': retreat behind halfway and stay compact.
  3. Progress: captain makes the call instead of the coach.

Coaching points

  • Move as a unit: back line and forwards together.
  • Drop quickly and get compact.
  • Press on a trigger, not all the time.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Practise the movement unopposed first

Make it harder

  • Players make the call themselves

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

Questions about this drill?

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