FineSoccer Drill 15

The last set of games in this progression is also a great way to work on both high pressure and low pressure defense (see Soccer Newsletter 48 for an explanation of this)

This game works best with two keepers and two full sized goals on a field that is appropriate for the number of players (for example, a 6 v 6 game would work well on half of a full sized field).

The game is real simple.  Team A starts with the ball and is up 1-0 with 5 minutes to play.  All soccer rules apply (throw ins, offsides, etc).  Team A should play a patient type of possession soccer and if/when they lose the ball they should work on playing a very safe low pressure type of defense, never allowing the opposing team to penetrate their defense.

Team B is to play a high pressure attacking type of defense with an emphasis on winning the ball at all costs.

Although negative reinforcement is discouraged in coaching, it sometimes is an effective way to increase the level of intensity. Have the losing team be in charge of getting water for the winning team.  Team B will have to work hard throughout this 5 minute game in order to win since they have started a goal down.  Not only will this work on high/low pressure it also works on proper time management and maintaining possession vs taking chances.

After the 5 minute game (and break afterwards), have them switch and play another game with Team A starting behind a goal and Team B up a goal.

This drill is easy to set up and start but really takes a great deal of coaching in order to get it to work well.  Too many players don't understand how to use a clock effectively (either when up or down a goal) and this is a great way to teach a team how to win (this might sound like an easy thing but many teams have no idea how to win a game in the last few minutes of a match.

Doing this game (you might have noticed that I use the terms game and drill interchangeably sometimes) on a regular basis ( couple of times per month) will really help your team understand how to play high/low pressure defense as well as how to play against it.

Use this drill regularly and you will quickly see a more clear understanding of the game of soccer by your teams.

Give it a try and let me know what you think

Lawrence