Pressing from the Inside and Closing the Middle

This tactical game places a high emphasis on pressing the opponent with ball, covering behind and closing the middle to block the deep passing lanes.
The activity also helps develop possession, depth play and combinations in over-numbering situations, transition, and game specific endurance.

Published: 26.07.2024.
Last updated:
Category: Soccer Drills - Soccer Tactics
Hits: 311
Age Age: 12 - 20+
Difficulty Difficulty: 4
Space Space: Reduced
Keeper Keeper: 0
Players Players: 16
Individual + Team Team
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Organisation

The game takes place on a pitch of 35-40 meters by 20-25 meters, with corners squared off as shown.
The pitch is also split into halves, and includes a central zone where two gates are marked.
The distances and the size of the pitch should be adequate to the given age-group and the players' abilities.
This game involves 16 players split into four teams of four. Identify them with different colors.
Three teams are trying to keep possession, the fourth one is defending.
The possession players from Team A and Team B are on the outside in each half. 
The players from the third possession team (Team C now) are split across the two halves, while the defending 
Team D starts in the half where the ball is.
Play for four blocks of four minutes, with the teams rotating between each block. 

Description and Graphics

The teams in possession (Team A, Team B and Team C) are asked to combine to transfer the ball from one half to the other. 
Team A start keeping possession against the four defenders (Team D). Their main objective is to play the ball through the central zone to Team B with the help of 2-2 players on each half of Team C. 
If the ball is transferred on the outside of the gates in the central zone, one point is scored. 
When the deep pass is played through the gates successfully, three points are scored.
The four defenders are challenged to press the ball aggressively, placing a high focus on protecting the middle.
If the ball is transferred, the defending team (Team D) must react quickly and run into the other half to press the ball in order to regain the possession.
When the ball is regained, they pass it to the other area and they change roles with the team involved in giving away possession. The team that loses the ball, counter-press immediately, then starts defending.

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Coaching points

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Set up

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Equipment

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