Week 38

Outcomes

• ✓Players can organise a co-ordinated high press triggered by a back pass or goalkeeper possession
• ✓Players can win the ball high and immediately play forward into a goal-scoring position
• ✓Players can support the press from the second and third lines to prevent the clearance to a spare man
• ✓Players can maintain the high press for two or more consecutive pressing sequences without losing shape

Equipment

• 12 cones
• 4 bibs (2 colours)
• 4 balls
• 2 full-size goals
• 2 goalkeepers
• 1 whiteboard + marker

Run of show

1. 1. Activation & 11+ Warm-Up

   15m

   Set up: Two groups of 6 in a 40×25 yd grid. Cones mark a press trigger zone (top 15 yds).

   How to run it: FIFA 11+ warm-up then a press warm-up: in the trigger zone, two attackers press a ball played to a goalkeeper mannequin. They must angle the press to force the goalkeeper toward one side (right or left) as called by the coach. Third player covers the outlet pass behind the first two. Rotate roles after every 4 reps.

   • ›Press angle: cut off the easy pass first, then close the goalkeeper
   • ›Second line of press must be positioned to intercept the outlet – not flat with the first pressers
   • ›Communication: call the side you are pressing to ('force right!') so teammates know where to cover

2. 2. Technical/Functional Practice – High Press and Attack Sequence

   15m

   Set up: Opponent's half of the pitch. 6 pressing attackers vs 5 defending players building from a goalkeeper. Pressing team must win the ball in the top 25 yds and score on the full-size goal.

   How to run it: Defending team builds from their goalkeeper (6-second distribution rule – they must distribute within 6 seconds). Pressing team executes a co-ordinated high press on the trigger (goalkeeper's distribution). If they win the ball in the press zone, they must shoot or score within 5 seconds. If the defending team plays through the press, reset and re-press. Run 8 sequences.

   • ›Press as a unit: all 6 players shift simultaneously – not one player pressing while others watch
   • ›If the defending team plays through the first press, reset quickly – don't give up
   • ›After winning the ball high, the player closest to goal takes the shot; others support
   • ›High press is exhausting: rest between sequences, then go again at 100%

3. 3. Skill/Phase Game – Press and Counter

   15m

   Set up: Full pitch. 7v7. One team (pressing team) starts in the opponent's half in a high press shape. Ball starts with the other team's goalkeeper.

   How to run it: Pressing team applies a high press from the kick-off. If they win possession in the opponent's half, they attempt to score immediately. If the defending team plays out of the press, normal play continues. After 5 minutes, swap roles. Bonus point for any goal scored directly from a high press win.

   • ›Pressing team: don't sprint directly at the ball – angle the press to funnel play into a corner
   • ›When the ball is won high, shoot quickly or play forward; don't recycle backward
   • ›The more the press disrupts the keeper's distribution, the more time the attackers have to win the ball

4. 4. Conditioned Tactical Game – Press Trigger Match

   20m

   Set up: Full 60×44 yd pitch. 9v9 with goalkeepers.

   How to run it: Normal 9v9. Goals scored within 6 seconds of winning the ball in the opponent's half count double. Coach introduces a shared press trigger word ('Hearts!') that any player can call to initiate the press. Every time the trigger is called, all players must press together for 5 seconds. Coach counts successful press wins aloud to reinforce the reward.

   • ›Trigger calls must be loud and immediate – a quiet call doesn't co-ordinate the press
   • ›After the press window, if the ball is not won, drop back into shape rather than chasing
   • ›Defending team: if they hear the trigger word, they must play a long ball to escape the press
   • ›Goalkeeper: proactive distribution when the press is set – don't delay and invite the press

5. 5. Scrimmage – Free Play

   15m

   Set up: Full pitch, 9v9, goalkeepers.

   How to run it: Open scrimmage. Coach observes whether the trigger press is being used spontaneously and whether the attack after a press win is sharp.

   • ›Is the press trigger word being called organically?
   • ›Are players attacking the ball high rather than waiting for it to come to them?

6. 6. Cool-Down & Debrief

   5m

   Set up: Circle, static stretching.

   How to run it: Light stretching while discussing: 'What is the first thing you do after winning the ball in the press?' (Attack the goal immediately.) Name the best press sequence of the day.

   • ›Reinforce: a well-executed high press is one of the most attacking tools in the game
   • ›Preview Session 2: pressing from set pieces and winning the second ball

Outcomes

• ✓Players can predict the trajectory of a clearance and position to win the second ball
• ✓Players can compete for a contested header at full intensity and redirect the ball forward
• ✓Players can transition from a second-ball win to a shooting position within three seconds
• ✓Players can maintain compactness as a team after losing a second ball to prevent a counter-attack

Equipment

• 10 cones
• 4 bibs (2 colours)
• 5 balls
• 2 full-size goals
• 2 goalkeepers

Run of show

1. 1. Activation & 11+ Warm-Up

   15m

   Set up: Two lines of 6 in a 30×20 yd grid. Pairs face each other at 8 yds.

   How to run it: FIFA 11+ warm-up then a second-ball heading drill: coach serves a high ball between two players who compete for it as a contested header. Winner plays a one-touch pass forward to a third player who shoots on a mini goal. 8 reps per pair. Increase serve distance progressively. Finish with two 25-yd sprint starts.

   • ›Jump and time the header – don't wait for the ball to drop
   • ›Contest bravely but fairly – shoulder-to-shoulder, no arms
   • ›Winner of the header: redirect toward a teammate immediately, not straight back to the server

2. 2. Technical/Functional Practice – Second-Ball Circuit

   15m

   Set up: Full-size goal with goalkeeper. Cones mark three clearance zones (where clearances typically land: edge of the box, 25 yds, penalty spot). Two attackers and two defenders contest second balls from coach serves.

   How to run it: Coach serves a high ball simulating a clearance to one of the three zones. Two attackers and two defenders compete for the second ball. The team that wins plays toward their designated target (attackers shoot on the full goal; defenders play to a mini goal at the halfway line). 10 reps, rotating roles every 5 reps.

   • ›Predict the landing zone: watch the direction of the clearance and move early
   • ›First mover: get to the ball before the opponent can set their body
   • ›If you can't win it cleanly, protect possession and wait for support rather than forcing a poor header
   • ›Transition: the moment you win the second ball, play forward immediately – don't look back

3. 3. Skill/Phase Game – 7v7 Second-Ball Pressure

   15m

   Set up: Full pitch. 7v7. One team starts with a high clearance serve from the coach. Both teams compete for the second ball. Normal play follows.

   How to run it: Coach serves a high clearance ball. Both teams compete for the second ball (2 players from each team nominated as primary second-ball contesters). Whichever team wins the second ball has 8 seconds to create a shot on goal. Play two 7-minute halves. Coach tracks how many second balls each team wins.

   • ›Primary second-ball players must read the clearance and get into position before the ball lands
   • ›Support players must be ready immediately behind the contester – don't assume the first player will win it
   • ›Losing team's response: compact immediately and prevent the counter-attack

4. 4. Conditioned Tactical Game – Second-Ball Chaos

   20m

   Set up: Full 60×44 yd pitch. 9v9 with goalkeepers.

   How to run it: Normal 9v9. Every 4 minutes, coach serves a high ball from the touchline into a contested zone. Both teams compete for the second ball and transition from that point. Goals scored within 6 seconds of a second-ball win count double. Coach freezes once to show the positioning of second-ball contesters and how it could be improved.

   • ›Don't commit all players to the second ball – maintain a defensive shape behind the contester
   • ›After winning the second ball, the receiving team must be in a position to attack; they cannot set up from scratch
   • ›Goalkeepers: on a second ball that drops to the edge of the area, come and claim it – don't let the striker shoot
   • ›Transition after losing the second ball must be instant: 4-3-3 press or compact block immediately

5. 5. Scrimmage – Free Play

   15m

   Set up: Full pitch, 9v9, goalkeepers.

   How to run it: Open scrimmage. Coach observes second-ball aggression and transition quality. Notes two examples of outstanding second-ball wins for the debrief.

   • ›Is there a culture of competing for every second ball, or are some players watching?
   • ›Celebrate the contested header or clearance even if it doesn't directly lead to a goal

6. 6. Cool-Down & Debrief

   5m

   Set up: Circle, static stretching.

   How to run it: Stretching while discussing: 'How does winning second balls give us an attacking advantage?' (We win possession in dangerous areas already.) Name one player who was outstanding in second-ball contests today.

   • ›Reinforce: physical and mental aggression in second balls is a competitive advantage
   • ›Preview Week 39: culminating Q3 applied sessions