Low-block press

Organisation

• Use a full court.

• Set up a 4v4 attack v. defence scenario inside one half of the court.

• Place a goalkeeper in the goal at either end of the court.

Explanation

• The exercise starts with the defending team’s goalkeeper playing a goal clearance to the attacking team’s goalkeeper.

• The attacking team’s goalkeeper advances towards the halfway line and plays the ball to one of the two players positioned in wide areas, which triggers the defending team’s press.

• If the defending team turn over possession, the ball is played to the attacking team’s goalkeeper, and the teams switch roles.

• If the defending team’s goalkeeper saves an attempt on goal or a goal is scored, the attacking team retreat and the defending team attack towards the opposite goal, i.e. there are no counter-attacks.

Coaching points

• Increase the intensity of the defensive press when the attacking team play the ball into wide areas.

• Adopt a low centre of gravity when engaging with the ball carrier.

• When pressing the ball carrier in wide areas, get as close to them as possible to prevent them from scanning their options.

• If the attacking player dribbles with the ball, track them by using lateral movements.