Orlando 2v2 Press & Cover

Instructions/Setup:

In this drill, players focus on the press and cover principle, which is crucial for effective defending. One defender is tasked with pressing the ball carrier, while a second defender covers the central space, ensuring that the defensive team stays compact and organized.

As the ball is passed backward, the pressing defenders must adjust their positioning and squeeze the play, continuing to work together to maintain defensive pressure. The focus is on communication, maintaining balance, and ensuring that the defenders are always in the right position to support each other.

Coaching Notes:

• Pressing the Ball Carrier: The player pressing the ball should stay close to the ball carrier, applying pressure without diving into tackles. The goal is to force the attacker into making a rushed decision while staying balanced.

• Covering the Central Space: The second defender must ensure they are covering the central passing lanes and be ready to intercept any passes played into dangerous areas. This defender should stay in a position to quickly support the press or shift to cover other threats.

• Adjusting to the Ball: As the ball is passed backward, the pressing defenders must adjust their positioning quickly. This requires awareness and good communication to maintain pressure on the ball carrier while controlling the central space.

• Compactness and Squeezing Play: The defenders should work together to reduce the space available to the attacking team, keeping the team compact and forcing the ball into less dangerous areas. Squeezing the play is key to preventing the opposition from building up attacks.