Pressure Together #4 - U12
Pressure Together #4 - U12
Grab It!
Organization:
Area: 15y x 15y
Players work in pairs with one ball. One player holds the ball in one hand, with the arm outstretched. The other player grabs the ball and runs away. The other player tries to tag the player before he/she gets to the end line.
Variation: Create new pairings.
Focus Points:
-
Effort/Hustle
-
Quickness

3v1 Passing
Set Up:
Two players are 1v1 on a narrow field, with two neutral attackers playing along the end lines. Attacking players score by moving the ball from one end line to the other - receiving from one neutral and then completing a pass to the other neutral. Neutrals may pass to each other, but no points are scored for those passes. As the game progresses, limits can be placed on the number of touches made by the neutrals.
Coaching Points:
1. Play the ball backwards as opposed to turning right into the defender.
2. To get open, check away from the intended pass and then check back to the ball.
3. Direct your first touch away from the defender and turn on him if he comes charging in.
Progressions:
1. Progress to 2v2 plus two.

2v2 + 2, Small Goals
Organization:
Area: 20y x 12y
The players are 2v2, trying to score in the small goals in the corners. The attackers can use the two neutral players standing between the small goals, making it a 4v2 situation. When the ball goes out of bounds, the players must pass the ball back in. Rotate players every two to three minutes.
Variation: The neutral players are restricted to two touches.
Game: Keep track of the score.
Focus Points:
Attackers:
- When in ball possession, make the field as large as possible.
- Use the wall players to create a 4v2 situation.
- Wall players should move left/right to create passing lanes.
- Passing; correct speed on the ball and to the correct foot.
- Receive the ball with the correct foot and into space with frist touch.
- Keep ball possession.
Defenders:
- Pressure the ball, work together, work hard.
- Try to win the ball back at the right moment. When the opponent has a bad touch, the ball is played through the air or a player stands in the corner.
- Protect the goal, block shots.
Transition from Defending to Attacking
- Explode. Find an open player as quickly as possible, preferable forward.
- Try to create a scoring chance as quickly as possible. 10-Second Rule.
Transition from Attacking to Defending
- Quick Reaction.
- Run to the attacker with the ball and pressure the ball.
- Try to win the ball back within 5 seconds.
- Don't stop defending.

5v4, Large and Small Goals
Organization:
Area: 45y x 30y
The team of five (with a GK) plays in a 1-2-1-1 formation and looks to score in the small goals set up on the opposite end. The team of four plays in a 2-1-1 formation. When the ball goes out of bounds, the team of five passes the ball back in. The team of four can pass or dribble the ball back in.
Game: Keep track of the score.
Focus Points:
Technical
-
Passing and receiving skills.
-
Opening Up .
-
Dribbling skills.
-
1v1 skills, attacking and defending.
Attacking
- Build up, create scoring chances and score goals.
-
Make the field large and create space in depth and width.
-
Look to play the ball deep; go forward.
-
Keep ball possession.
-
Maintain a good team shape / formation.
Defending
- Disrupt the buildup, win the ball back, avoid goals against.
-
The whole team makes the field small by moving towards the ball (High Pressure), form a block around the halfway line (medium pressure), or drops towards their own goal (Low Pressure). Shift and slide towards the sideline.
-
Pressure the player on the ball.
-
Mark tight in the area of the ball.
-
Positional or zonal marking further away from the ball.
-
Stay active as long as possible. Back pressure)
Transition
-
Win ball back as quickly as possible - 5 Second Rule.
-
Protect your own goal quickly.
-
Be organized defensively while attacking.
-
Quick goal-oriented action. Try to create a scoring chance as quickly as possible -10 Second Rule.
-
Explode and connect the first pass after winning the ball. Reaction.
-
While the other team is in ball possession, certain players should anticipate the possibility of a turnover and to ATTACK.

7v7, Large Goals
Organization:
Area: 60y x 40y
Create two teams and play 7v7 (six plus a GK), with both teams playing in a 1-2-3-1 formation. Regular soccer rules apply.
Game: Keep track of the score.
Coaching Points:
Attackers:
-
In ball possession, make the field large and get into the correct build up shape.
Defenders:
-
When the opponent has the ball, make the field small by moving towards the ball and pressuring the ball
Transition:
- After winning the ball, look to play the ball forward, one touch in transition, or explode with a dribble into space.
- After losing the ball, try to win the ball back asap.
