Week *5 High Press Rondo

Instructions/Setup:

This practice takes place in a 30 by 45-yard area and focuses on developing the high press, teaching players to apply pressure on the ball quickly and win it back as a team. The playing area is divided into two 20 by 30-yard zones with a 5-yard neutral zone in between, and a goal and goalkeeper at each end.

Three teams of players are used, with each team starting in a different zone. One team will be in possession, and the other two teams will be defenders. The coach passes a ball into one of the zones, triggering the pressing team (3 defenders) to press the possession team in a 6 v 3 scenario. If the possession team makes 10 successful passes, they can finish past the goalkeeper, and the play is triggered from the other side with the pressing defenders now entering the zone. If the defenders win possession, they can switch the ball to the other zone, and the teams switch roles.

Coaching Notes:

• Quick and coordinated pressing – The pressing team should work together to close down passing options and force the possession team into making mistakes. Pressing should be aggressive but coordinated, with all players moving as a unit.

• Communication and anticipation – The defenders must communicate clearly to know when to press and when to hold their positions. They need to anticipate the ball's movement and position themselves accordingly to close down passing lanes.

• Accuracy and timing in passes – The possession team should focus on quick, accurate passing to move the ball around and avoid the press. Timing of passes is essential to maintaining possession and creating space.

• Focus on creating overloads – In the 6 v 3 scenario, the defending team should look to create overloads by cutting off passing lanes and forcing turnovers, while the possession team should focus on quick, effective passing to outmanoeuvre the press.

• Transitioning from defense to attack – If defenders win possession, they must be able to quickly transition and find the best option to switch the ball to the other zone, making use of their regained possession to switch the play effectively.

• Energy and intensity – This drill requires high levels of intensity and energy from all players, as it focuses on applying constant pressure and forcing mistakes from the opposition.

Progression 1: Add a Time Limit

Introduce a time limit for the pressing team to win the ball back (e.g., 20 seconds). This forces the defending team to make quicker decisions and increases the urgency of the press.

Focus: Increase the speed and urgency of the pressing team, encouraging faster decision-making and reaction time.

Progression 2: Restricted Passing

Restrict the number of touches each player on the possession team can take (e.g., only one or two touches). This forces the possession team to move the ball quicker and challenges the pressing team to be even more effective in their press.

Focus: Improve passing speed and decision-making under pressure while ensuring defenders stay compact and aggressive in their press.