Pass & Press | Keeping the Ball and Making Quick Decisions Under Pressure

Overview

• Run it with 10 players
• Field size is 30m x 20m
• The team keeping the ball and the team applying pressure switch roles
• You’re building passing accuracy and quick decision-making at the same time

Objectives

• Get players trading accurate passes under pressure
• Build the habit of reading the situation before the ball arrives
• Move the ball efficiently in tight spaces
• Build the mental toughness to stay calm and play through pressure

Setup

This drill works out of a central grid, where players trade passes while keeping the ball under defensive pressure.

1) Put 6 players in the middle and 4 around the outside

2) The middle players move the ball while the outside players give them support

3) The defenders stay on the middle players and keep the pressure on

4) Players in possession get pressured the instant the ball arrives

5) As soon as a player passes, they move to a new spot and get ready for the next play

6) Keep it going for a set time with no giveaways