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
Compact Lines Game
Two defensive pairs coordinate their depth and sideways movement to deny controlled receiving between the lines.
- Duration
- 12 min
- Players
- 8–16 (ideal 8)
- Defending
- Communication
- Teamwork
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 8-player group is shown. Four blue attackers circulate around and within a central pocket; four red defenders begin as two pairs on either side of it. Blue 3 starts in the pocket, blue 4 beyond the deeper line and blue 1 holds the sole ball at the left. The pocket is a teaching reference, not a wall.
Coaching points
- Setup: Four blue attackers circulate around and within a central pocket; four red defenders begin as two pairs on either side of it. Blue 3 starts in the pocket, blue 4 beyond the deeper line and blue 1 holds the sole ball at the left. The pocket is a teaching reference, not a wall.
- Play: Blue scores one for a controlled ground reception inside the pocket. Red shifts its first and deeper pairs together, checking the space between them while allowing safe possession elsewhere. A clean interception or forced ball out earns red one and stops the episode. Blue may move and recycle; red protects the pocket rather than chasing every pass.
- Reset and rotation: Stop after either score or ball out. Return the ball to a left player and exchange full teams after two attempts. Rest after 45 seconds, then rotate positions within each team. No one retrieves while another player is passing.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 8 players. With up to 16, 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: Both red pairs see the ball and the other pair. Talk about whether the gap offers a receiver time and space; move together laterally and adjust depth without collapsing into the same line.
- 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 · 8 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 8 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Blue circulates only between the two left players; pause after each pass for both red pairs to adjust.
- Harder Blue’s pocket receiver changes lateral position before receiving; red checks depth as well as ball-side movement while retaining controlled pace.
