Press and Cover Shadow Play
A back four and a midfield pair shift as a unit against ball movement — no tackling, just the shape that makes the press work.
- 15 min
- 8–14 players
Game · U15
Trap at the Touchline
A three-player press guides build-up towards a touchline, then closes the forward and inside exits together.
- Duration
- 12 min
- Players
- 6–12 (ideal 6)
- Pressing
- Defending
- Communication
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 6-player group is shown. Three blue build-up players face three red pressing players with one ball and a right end-zone target. Red 1 starts ball-side; red 2 covers the forward exit and red 3 the inside return. The touchline is a boundary, not a place for body contact.
Coaching points
- Setup: Three blue build-up players face three red pressing players with one ball and a right end-zone target. Red 1 starts ball-side; red 2 covers the forward exit and red 3 the inside return. The touchline is a boundary, not a place for body contact.
- Play: Blue attempts a controlled ground entry into the right end zone for one point. Red approaches from the inside to make the wide route more available, then communicates to close forward and inside passes when blue uses it. A clean regain or forced ball out earns red one and stops play. Blue may choose another safe route; red must react rather than demand a scripted trap.
- Reset and rotation: Stop at a score, regain or ball out. Restart from the left with the ball on a different safe side. Exchange attacking and pressing roles after two episodes and rest after 45 seconds. Retrieval uses the outside route with all six stopped.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 6 players. With up to 12, use a second complete group in a separate area. Odd spare players rest off the area and rotate into a playing role every 45 seconds; everyone has equal turns.
- Coach focus: Keep the first approach angled so a teammate can cover the next route. Call the wide trigger together and leave enough space for the ball holder to stop safely; the touchline supports a positional trap, never a squeeze between bodies.
- Safety: Ground passes only. Walking opposition may intercept travelling or exposed balls, never tackle an occupied foot, slide, push or force contact. Stop when routes converge; collect and change roles only with play stopped.
Equipment
- Ball · 2 per group, including a spare
- Flat Marker · 6 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 6 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Blue uses a announced wide pass and pauses on reception while red identifies the two exits.
- Harder Blue chooses wide or inside circulation so red decides whether to commit to the trap; retain controlled pace and an open retreat.
