Setup:

Two adjacent 10x10 grids

Lots of extra balls with coach

10 players

2 defenders + 8 attackers on outside

Pair of attackers to be partners if they lose ball

Activity:

One grid plays 4v0 (no passing across grid)

Second grid plays 4v2

If defense wins ball, they become attackers. Attacker that made mistake AND their partner (across from them) then SPRINT to other grid to play defense.

Coaching Points:

Communication - attacking team to know when defenders are coming. Defenders to know who is pressing and which way to press.

Quick transitions - as soon as ball is lost, switch mentality.

Pressing shape - make play predictable for other defender.

Progressions:

Add in a neutral to be CM and play 5v2

Setup:

40x60 (wider than long)

2 teams of 6

3 neutrals (CB, CM, CF)

Activity:

Ball always starts with CB

Teams combine to get ball from target to target to score

Coaching Points:

+ Offensively, maximize width and depth for midfielders to have room

+ Upon losing ball, immediate pressure to win it back

+ Compact defensively after losing ball

+ Communication!

Setup:

Midfield zone setup as above

One team of 7 (3-3-1)

One team of 7 with 5 in grid and 2 counter attackers waiting outside (3-2)

One goalie

Activity:

Attacking team keeps possession - 10 passes = 1 goal

Defensive team tries to win ball and spring counter attack to score in big goal

Play for 5 minutes then switch roles.

Coaching Points:

+ Quick transitions - when losing ball quickly apply pressure to deny counter

Field size: 60x50

Teams in 3-2-1