Breaking the Block: Playing Through Pressure

To develop the ability to play through a high press using support, scanning, and smart decisions. Players learn to transfer the ball from deep zones into advanced positions under pressure.

- Pitch is split into 3 zones: - Zone 1 (Build-up) — Blues keep the ball under pressure - Zone 2 (Pressing Zone) — Defenders start here but can press forward - Zone 3 (End Zone) — Black attackers try to score - Blues start with possession in their zone. - Defenders (Yellow) start in the middle and can press at any time. - Blues must connect play into the Black team by breaking lines and playing into Zone 3. - Blacks are on 2-touch and must quickly finish into one of three mini goals. - If defenders win the ball and score in their mini goals before the blacks do, the team that lost possession becomes the defenders in the next round. Progressions: 1. Add a colour-coded decision rule: Coach lifts a cone behind a goal — players must scan and score in that goal. 2. Remove the 2-touch rule and add a defender in Zone 3. 3. Open up the zones so defenders can go anywhere in an attempt to win the ball.