2v2 Press & Cover | Winning the Ball Through Defensive Teamwork

Overview

• Run this with 8 players
• Set up situations where the attackers have the ball and two defenders have to deal with it
• Built for players who are ready to sharpen their decisions and positioning on the way to winning the ball back

Objectives

• Learn how to press the ball carrier (the first defender)
• Learn how to cover the space behind (the second defender)
• Work as a pair to shut down the attacker’s options
• Sharpen defensive decision-making in messy, game-like situations

Setup

This one’s a game-realistic drill where two defenders learn the whole process of winning the ball back.

1）Break the field into smaller grids and split your 8 players into four 2v2s

2）The two attackers have the ball and try to score (reach the far goal) by passing and dribbling

3）The two defenders work together—one jumps on the ball carrier right away to apply pressure, the other covers the space behind

4）Win the ball and the defense has done its job

5）Run several rounds (about 3–5 minutes each) and rotate positions