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Tactical

Pressing as a Player

Learn when and how to press opponents effectively.

Pressing isn't just running at opponents - it's about timing, angles, and coordination with teammates. This guide covers pressing triggers, body positioning, forcing play into traps, and when NOT to press. Smart pressing wins the ball back in dangerous areas and disrupts opposition build-up.

Key Points

1Press with a purpose - force the opponent one way, not give them options
2Curved runs cut off passing lanes - don't run straight at the ball
3Press when the opponent has a poor touch or is facing backwards
4Coordinate with teammates - isolated pressing gets bypassed easily
5Know when NOT to press - sometimes holding your position is smarter
6Pressing demands high fitness - you can't press for 90 minutes

Training Drills

✓Pressing in pairs - coordinated pressure on the ball carrier
✓Pressing triggers drill - practice recognising when to press (poor touch, back to goal)
✓Curved runs to cut passing lanes
✓Small-sided games with pressing objectives (win ball in final third)
✓Shadow pressing without the ball to practice positioning
✓Fitness work to build pressing endurance

Learn From the Pros

Roberto Firmino - false nine pressing from the frontN'Golo Kanté - relentless pressing and ball-winningAlexia Putellas - coordinates Barcelona's high press brilliantlyBernardo Silva - intelligent pressing anglesThomas Müller - master of pressing triggers and positioning

Ask FootballGPT

“When should I press and when should I hold position?”

“How do I press without getting bypassed?”

“What are pressing triggers?”

“How can I press for longer without getting tired?”

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I press and when should I hold my position?

Press when you have a realistic chance of winning the ball or forcing a mistake - poor touch, opponent facing backwards, passing lane cut off. Hold position if pressing would leave dangerous space behind you or if the opponent is comfortable on the ball. Context matters.

How do I avoid getting bypassed when pressing?

Use curved runs, not straight ones. Angle your body to force the opponent one way whilst cutting off their easiest pass. Press with teammates - isolated pressing is easy to beat. And know when to stop - if they've beaten your press, recover and reorganise.

What are "pressing triggers" and how do I recognise them?

Triggers are moments when pressing is most effective: poor first touch, player receiving with back to goal, underhit pass, rushed clearance. Watch the ball and the opponent's body position. If they look uncomfortable, that's your trigger to press.

I get too tired when pressing - what can I do?

Build your fitness (interval work replicates pressing demands). Choose your moments - you can't press everything. Coordinate with teammates so you rotate pressing responsibility. And recover quickly between presses - hands on knees, deep breaths.

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