Week 61 Receiving Under Pressure

Instructions/Setup:

This mastery-level practice challenges a single attacker to receive under pressure and make decisions in a high-intensity environment. The attacking player begins by receiving a pass and has 7 seconds to either beat the press and drive into space or play a pass into one of four mini goals positioned ahead. Three defenders are tasked with pressuring the ball carrier while also protecting the mini goals. The attacker must read the pressure, manage their touch and body position, and find a way to exploit space or gaps between defenders.

Coaching Notes:

• Receiving Body Shape – The attacker must open up and receive on the back foot whenever possible, allowing them to face forward and quickly assess their options.

• First Touch Direction – Encourage players to take their first touch away from pressure and into space, giving themselves more time to pick out a target.

• Decision-Making Under Pressure – Players must scan constantly and decide quickly whether to dribble into space or play into a mini goal, depending on defender positioning.

• Defensive Compactness – Challenge defenders to stay compact while pressing. They must communicate and shift together to deny easy goal-scoring or passing lanes.

Progression 1: Add a Supporting Attacker

Introduce a second attacker to create a 2v3 situation. The ball carrier can now combine with a teammate, increasing the decision-making complexity.

Focus:

Improves communication, movement off the ball, and the attacker’s ability to draw pressure and release to a teammate in better space.

Progression 2: Reduce Time Limit

Lower the time limit from 7 seconds to 5 seconds once players demonstrate comfort with the initial challenge.

Focus:

Encourages sharper first touches, quicker decisions, and a higher tempo, simulating real match pressure and urgency.