France Evading Pressure

Instructions/Setup:

This drill begins with a pass into a central player, who is immediately pressured by two opposition players. The player receiving the ball must use their body positioning, scanning skills, and effective receiving techniques to evade the pressure. Once they’ve successfully evaded the defenders, the player’s objective is to finish by scoring into any of the four mini goals positioned around the grid. This drill focuses on developing a player’s ability to make quick decisions, use feints and body movements to escape pressure, and maintain composure to finish effectively.

The drill simulates game-like situations where players must maintain control under pressure, making it an excellent way to improve individual attacking skills in tight spaces.

Coaching Notes:

• Receiving Under Pressure: Encourage the central player to focus on their first touch and positioning. They should scan the field before receiving to identify potential passing lanes or gaps to exploit.

• Evading Defenders: The player must use their body effectively to shield the ball and make quick changes of direction. Feints and quick turns should be emphasized to create space from defenders.

• Decision-Making: After evading pressure, the player must make a quick decision on which mini goal to attack. Encourage the use of the space and the ability to choose the right goal depending on the defender’s positioning.

• Finishing Composure: Once space is created, players should focus on finishing with composure, aiming for accuracy over power. Emphasize quick, clean shots into the mini goals.

Progression 1: Add More Defenders:

Introduce an additional defender, making it a 3v1 scenario. This increases the difficulty and encourages the player to focus on quick thinking and better evasion techniques.

Focus: Enhances the player’s ability to deal with multiple defenders and make quicker decisions under pressure.

Progression 2: Limit Touches:

Limit the player to a maximum of two touches to receive and finish the ball. This forces them to make faster decisions and reduces the time they have to evade pressure.

Focus: Improves quick decision-making and sharpens ball control under pressure.