Week 1 - Receiving Under Pressure
Module: Master The Opponent: 7-12 Years Old Classroom: Use The 360TFT Game Model Original Location: https://www.skool.com/coachingacademy/classroom/62d426ee
Session Focus
Receiving Under Pressure
Helping players deal with pressure when receiving the ball is fundamental. This week builds confidence to receive in tight spaces, make quick decisions, and find ways to play forward - even when being closed down. Every activity is game-connected and encourages players to scan, protect, and problem-solve under pressure.
Developing technical confidence and decision-making when under immediate pressure, especially in the defensive and middle thirds.
Structure & Flow of Session
1. Ball Mastery Warm-Up (10 mins)
Drop the Bib Rondo
Classic high-tempo rondo where defenders drop their bib after a turnover. Continuous play demands scanning, quick decisions, and movement.
- Defenders (blue) hold a bib/pinnie. If a defender wins the ball or forces it out of play, they drop the bib, and the player who lost the ball becomes the new defender
- The game continues without stopping. If the ball goes out, the coach immediately plays in a new ball
- If a defender wins the ball and drops their bib, the other defender can attempt to win it back, creating a transitional dynamic
Coach Prompts:
- “When do you press? When do you cover?”
- “Can you keep the ball moving with disguise?”
- “What makes the ball hard to win?”
2. Contextual Game Scenario (15 mins)
1v1 - Defensive 3rd
Player receives under pressure near own goal and must beat their direct opponent to drive out. Game-like starting positions simulate realistic defensive third scenarios.
- Player receives under pressure near own goal and must beat their direct opponent to drive out
- Game-like starting positions simulate realistic defensive third scenarios
- Emphasis on body shape, protection, and decision-making
Coach Prompts:
- “What’s behind you?”
- “How can your body shape help you protect the ball?”
- “When should you shield vs turn?”
3. Small Sided Game (15 mins)
Passout Game (5v5+3)
5v5+3 possession-based game with outside neutrals. Objective is to pass out of pressure and connect with a target. Encourages support angles, scanning, and playing away from pressure.
- Teams must combine to play out from their defensive zone
- Outside players provide passing options
- Points scored for successful build-out play
Coach Prompts:
- “Where’s the free player?”
- “Can you receive and play forward in one touch?”
- “How do you create angles for your teammate?”
4. Match-Related Play (15-20 mins)
3v3 Free Play - Street Football
Unstructured 3v3 free play to explore receiving and decision-making. Encourage scanning, touch selection, and spatial recognition.
- Minimal constraints
- Players apply skills in game context
- Coach observes and provides light guidance
Key Coaching Points
Receiving Under Pressure:
- Scan before receiving
- Body position open to field
- First touch to protect or advance
- Decision: turn, shield, or release
Transitions:
- Player who wins the ball is the most vulnerable - press them immediately
- Player who loses the ball must react quickly
Why This Structure Works
- Progressive complexity from warm-up to match play
- Each phase builds on the session focus
- Player-centred learning through guided discovery
- Real game connections throughout
This content is part of the 360TFT Football Coaching Academy - Use The 360TFT Game Model