Sprint, Slow, Steer

Teach young players to press an attacker the moment a pass is played, arrive under control, and force the attacker toward the sideline instead of the middle.

15x20 yard channel with a 3-yard cone gate at the far end (the attacker's goal) and a 'safe side' marked with a line of cones down one sideline. Passer at the near end with the balls, attacker at the far end, defender beside the passer.

1. The passer plays a ball to the attacker. As the ball travels, the defender sprints toward the attacker.
2. Two yards before arriving, the defender slows with short steps and gets low, side-on.
3. The defender shows the attacker toward the safe side and tries to win the ball or force it out of bounds.
4. The attacker scores by dribbling through the gate. The defender scores by winning the ball or forcing the attacker onto the safe side line.
5. Five reps then rotate passer to defender to attacker. First to 5 points.

• Sprint while the ball is traveling.
• Slow down before you get there; small steps.
• Side-on, low, and show them the sideline.
• Be patient; wait for the heavy touch.

• Defender sprints all the way and gets beaten by a simple touch; the slow-down has to happen 2 yards before the ball.
• Defender arrives square-on and the attacker can go either way; body turned so one side is closed.
• Attacker waits for the defender to arrive and then plays; tell the attacker to attack immediately so the sprint matters.

• Attacker can score in either of two gates so the defender must choose the side to show.
• Passer joins in as a second attacker for a 2v1.
• Defender must win the ball and dribble back through the start gate to score.

• Attacker walks with the ball for the first round.
• Widen the gate for the attacker if defenders are winning every rep.
• Coach shouts 'Sprint... slow... steer!' as the cue for the first few reps.

• Defender must arrive before the attacker's second touch or the attacker gets a free run.