Build-Up vs. Pressing | Keep the Ball and Break Fast

Overview

• Teach your players to build out like the pros
• Build the composure to keep the ball while defenders press hard
• Get them reacting fast in both directions — attack to defense, defense to attack
• Players: 12, Field size: 40m x 36m

Objectives

• Sharpen crisp passing and quick decisions in tight spaces
• Build the ability to handle the ball calmly with pressure bearing down
• Learn how to position well in attack and open up passing options
• Develop the counter instinct to turn a lost ball into an attack right away

Setup

Split into an attacking team and a defending team and play a possession game inside a marked field.

1）Set the field at 40m x 36m with a grid area in the middle

2）The attacking team strings together 5 passes on one side while two defenders press them

3）Once they hit 5 passes, they switch the ball to the far side to spring the next attack

4）As soon as the ball moves across, a fresh defender sprints in from the middle to join

5）If the defending team wins the ball, they attack straight away and go for goal

6）Swap the attacking and defending teams at set intervals