fcommit.

PRESSING & DEFENDING

Win-back game

A small-sided game with a five-second rule: win the ball back within five seconds of losing it for a bonus point. Builds a quick reaction to losing the ball.

Suggested ages
U10 to adult
Players
8–10
Time
20–25 minutes
Area
30 × 25 m
Equipment
2 small goals or 4 cones, bibs, balls
Win-back game diagramTwo teams of four play between small goals. A team has just lost the ball and two of its players press the ball carrier, who passes forward to escape. A 30 by 25 metre area: 4 players drawn as filled discs, 4 players drawn as rings; 2 goals; 1 pass, 2 runs.

30 × 25 m · drawn in FCommit’s figure style

Team that has just won the ballTeam pressing to win it backPassRunGoal

Set it up

  • Mark a 30 × 25 m pitch with a small goal or cone gate at each end.
  • Make two teams of four or five.

How it works

  1. Play a normal game to the goals.
  2. When a team loses the ball, it has five seconds to win it back. Doing so scores a bonus point.
  3. The team that has just won the ball tries to escape the pressure with a forward pass or dribble.
  4. Play four-minute games with a short rest in between.

Coaching points

  • React straight away when the ball is lost: the nearest player presses the ball.
  • Teammates squeeze in to cut off the easy passes.
  • If you can’t win it back in five seconds, recover into shape behind the ball.
  • After winning the ball, look forward first to escape the press.
See all 12 drills