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advanceddefending15-20 minutes10-16 players

Pressing Trap Drill

Team defending drill teaching coordinated pressing to win the ball in dangerous areas. Develops timing, communication, and understanding of pressing triggers amongst defensive and midfield units.

U13-U14U15+

Setup

Use half a pitch or large area (40x30 metres). Divide players into two teams. The possession team keeps the ball whilst the pressing team works to win it back through coordinated pressing. Designate pressing triggers (e.g., backwards pass, poor first touch, ball played to touchline). When a trigger occurs, the nearest player presses whilst teammates cut passing lanes. Win the ball and counter-attack to small goals.

Coaching Points

  • 1Identify pressing triggers as a team before starting
  • 2First presser must be aggressive and commit fully
  • 3Supporting players must cut passing lanes, not ball-watch
  • 4Communicate constantly, shout instructions clearly
  • 5If the press is broken, recover defensive shape quickly
  • 6Work as a compact unit, avoid gaps between pressing players

Variations

  • ✓Add conditions like pressing only in certain zones
  • ✓Award bonus points for winning the ball in dangerous areas
  • ✓Include small-sided games with pressing objectives
  • ✓Require specific numbers of players in the press (e.g., three-man press)
  • ✓Add time limits for how long possession team can keep the ball

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pressing trigger in football?

A pressing trigger is a specific event that signals the team to press aggressively. Common triggers include backwards passes, poor first touches, balls played to the touchline, or passes into specific zones. Pressing on these triggers increases the chance of winning the ball.

How do I teach pressing to my team?

Start by identifying clear triggers, then practice in controlled drills where players learn to press together. Emphasise that the first presser must commit fully whilst teammates cut passing lanes. Build up from small numbers to full-team pressing.

When should a team press high?

Press high when your team is fit enough to sustain it, when the opposition is uncomfortable playing out from the back, or when you want to force mistakes in dangerous areas. It requires organisation, fitness, and commitment from all players.

What happens if the press is broken?

If the press is broken, the team must transition quickly to a defensive shape. Drop off immediately, protect central areas, and reorganise compactly to prevent the opposition exploiting the space you left when pressing.

Related Drills

1v1 Defending Drill

Core defending drill teaching players to defend one-on-one situations effectively. Develops positioning, footwork, patience, and timing of tackles in isolated scenarios.

Defensive Shape Drill

Positional defending drill teaching players to maintain compact defensive shape and organisation. Develops understanding of distances, cover, and defensive line management.

Expert Advisors

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General Coach

All-round coaching

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Professional/elite coaching

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FM Tactician

FM24 & FM26 tactics and formations

Related Keywords

pressinghigh pressdefensive organisationpressing triggersteam defendingcounter-pressingwinning the ball backdefensive tacticsfootball trainingcoaching drillstactical trainingorganised defending

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Pressing Trap Drill - Football Coaching Drill | FootballGPT