A quick passing-under-pressure warm-up on a triangle, no pitch or goals needed. A player passes round the triangle and follows the pass to press the receiver; the receiver has to take it on the back foot and play it on before the presser arrives, then follows to press the next player. It keeps going round.
Young (U5 to U8)Mid (U9 to U13)Older (U14 to U18)Warm-upBall masteryPassing & receivingFitness & movement
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In play
The setup
Step by step
1
Start on the cone with two players. Pass round the triangle and FOLLOW your pass to press the receiver.
2
The receiver takes it on the back foot and plays it on round the triangle before the presser gets there.
3
Then that player follows to press the next receiver, and it keeps going round.
Age group
Young (U5 to U8), Mid (U9 to U13), Older (U14 to U18)
Duration
10 mins
Players
4 or more
Area
Small triangle, about 8 to 10 yards a side (no pitch)
Equipment
3 cones, 1 ball
FA Four Corners: what this develops
Technical / TacticalPsychologicalPhysicalSocial
Objective
Sharpen passing and first touch under pressure, and the switch from passing to pressing. Receivers learn to open up, take it on the back foot and play it on quickly before the press arrives; passers learn to close down fast and under control.
Set up
Three cones in a triangle, a player on each cone and two on one of them (that is where it starts). No goals.
Coaching points
Open your body before the ball comes so you can already see the next cone (half-turn, back foot).
First touch out of your feet toward where you are passing, so you are never caught on the ball.
Firm, accurate pass to feet, then sprint to press, do not jog in.
Press at an angle and stay on your toes to show the receiver one way, do not dive in.
Progressions
Two touches max, then one touch, to force quicker decisions.
Change the direction of play on a call so no one can pre-plan their pass.
Add a second ball so two passes travel at once (more scanning, busier press).
Make the triangle bigger or smaller to give more or less time before the press arrives.
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